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by Lane Bjelkevig
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Library spends $46,000 on private book collection
"I keep my ear to the ground for books," Dr. Brake said.
He received a tip from a friend that an 8,000-volume library was for sale. Dr. Brake took advantage of the tip and contacted the seller. The initial price for the entire library was approximately $50,000.
MBC chose 7,000 of the library's finest books. After negotiations, MBC agreed to pay $46,000.
Dr. Martin, owner of the library, had recently passed away, and those in his ministry put his library up for sale. The scholarly collection includes reference and historical books covering the time just prior to Christ's birth until his death. This unique collection holds books no longer in print and volumes in better shape than those owned by Multnomah. Many of the books focus on Judaism.
The new addition will aid MBC students, especially those enrolled in seminary, in their studies and research.
"This is a great addition for Multnomah students," Dr. Brake said.
MBC's goal is to acquire a total of 100,000 reference tools within the next five years. MBC has reached approximately 90,000 volumes. One reason behind this goal is to help with accreditation.
Two problems with such a purchase are storage and cataloging. As for storage, a proposal has been made to add new classrooms to Bradley Hall and fill the north end of the lower library with stacks. Eventually, Mitchell Library will not be used for classrooms but strictly for holding stacks of books.
Phil Johnson and the library staff will catalog the new additions. Cataloging will take months.
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