My Photo

Blog info

  • Did the blog name change?
    Yes! On January 1, 2008, Solo Femininity officially morphed into Radical Womanhood, to more accurately represent the broader range of topics on this blog.
  • Search this blog

    powered by FreeFind

  • Creative Commons License

  • What About Comments?
    I welcome comments from everyone and actually do read each one of them. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify, correct, or create future blog posts because of the helpful feedback I receive. But due to schedule limitations, I am unable to continue moderating and publishing comments in a timely way, so published comments are now discontinued on most posts. (For more information, please read this blog post about the changes.) Thanks for visiting my blog!
  • Quoting and Linking
    Unless otherwise noted, all contents copyright 2005-08 Carolyn McCulley. If you are quoting this blog, please provide a cite and link back. Thanks for this courtesy!
  • Bible Translation
    All Scriptures are from the English Standard Version (Crossway Bibles) unless otherwise noted.

About Syndication

  • What's RSS? Why Do I Need It?
    What's syndication? In a nutshell, it means getting all the latest posts sent to you when they're published, rather than having to come back here to see if I've added anything. I use (and recommend) Bloglines.com to subscribe to various feeds from websites and blogs. It's very simple to set up and use, and it's free. Subscribing to RSS feeds saves so much time! All the things you want to read are compiled in one place, usually with brief summaries. You never miss any updates and you can efficiently enjoy the blogosphere. You can subscribe to my blog by setting up an account at bloglines.com (or any news reader service) and then adding Solo Femininity to the list of feeds you want to receive.
  • RSS feed

« Women Against Pornography | Main | Mission Video Season Again! »

April 29, 2008

Porn in Public Libraries

774276_library_of_lightA few months ago, I received this letter from my friend, Pam. It concerned a shock she received at a local public library--a new facility in Montgomery County that is a hit with all the moms of young children in our area. I asked permission to share it with my blog readers because I was curious as to what other people had experienced.

As most of you know, I am not one to go all hysterical, but I am so dumbfounded by what happed to me today, that I thought I should share it with you.

I was at the Rockville Library (without my son, gratefully), when I looked over and saw a young man watching pornography on one of the library's computers. I will spare you the details, but suffice to say it was very explicit and nobody with any sense of sanity would say what I was viewing was open to interpretation.  When I complained to the librarian I was told that by law--because of his right to freedom of speech and right to information--this man had the right to watch porn on the library's computers, and that all they could do was go give the man a privacy screen.  A privacy screen will block the view from the sides but still allow someone standing directly behind him to see what was on the screen.  I should add that there was a group of younger teenagers sitting within sight of this computer as well.

I had a lengthy conversation with the head librarian.  I asked for the library's policy in writing, and she gave me a copy of a policy paper that the American Library Association put out about internet access and the use of filters on library computers.  (The ALA is against them.) While sympathetic in tone, she stated that there was nothing she could do. As I was leaving the library, a second librarian told me that at another library in Montgomery County, the library was forced to reprimand a security guard who forced a patron to stop viewing porn on the library's computer. The guard thought he was doing the right thing (imagine that!)--that patrons were not allowed to view porn at the library--but it turns out he was wrong. When the patron complained, the guard was reprimanded.

Yes, we live in a world that has some how made what is right wrong, and what is wrong right. Maybe you all knew this already, but I pass this along because I don't want your kids to see anything that that they shouldn't. I am mulling over whether there is any additional course of action I might be able to take, as this seems so insane that parents cannot do anything about this. If anyone has any suggestions for me, I would be grateful to receive them.

Pam says she appreciates this library and certainly isn't trying cause any trouble personally for the librarians there. But she is deeply concerned about this policy. Afterward, she learned through some rudimentary research that the Supreme Court ruled in 2003 that public libraries do not necessarily infringe on First Amendment rights of free speech if they put filters on their computers, as long as they
are willing to turn the filters off if an adult patron asks. The protection of children was seen as a "compelling interest," she says.

About a month after this experience, she wrote a lengthy letter to the director of Montgomery County Libraries. A few weeks later, she received a response from a library staffer, addressing specifically the issues in her letter.  The library staffer indicated that they are "evaluating" their current policy and talking to other jurisdictions to see how well (or not so well) filters work in other community libraries. She didn't really indicate that the county would be changing its policy, however. "I am hoping to convince other people to write to the director of the library, as well," Pam says. "The response that I received left me with the impression that they are open to input, but I could be wrong on this."

I have to confess I have little reason to be in libraries these days, thanks to the 'Net, so I was unaware of this issue. However, it appears to be a growing problem. One librarian was recently fired from her job for reporting a man watching child pornography. A California man was arrested for viewing child pornography and police found candy, ropes, and duct tape in his car. And an investigative report by KGO-TV in San Francisco found "multiple incidents of people performing lewd sexual acts in public view at a San Jose library while viewing porn." Fortunately, I also discovered that there is an organization called Family Friendly Libraries that has taken on this issue and provides guidelines for communities that want to take action.

Is this an issue in your community, too? I've opened the comment function on this post for a few days to hear from you all on this topic. I would especially appreciate hearing from the librarians. (Comments will be moderated and, due to my schedule, will only be posted for a few days.)

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/485654/28591338

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Porn in Public Libraries:

Comments

This is so shocking. I thought that a library could have a policy of not allowing viewers to look at porn over the internet for the sake of those around them.

This is truly saddening. A security guard reprimanded for stopping someone from viewing porn? A woman fired for reporting a guy watching CHILD pornography? What has it come too? And how is society allowing our "freedom of speech" to be taken so far?

I had a similar experience in 1998, I discovered a group of young boys (maybe 8 or 9 years old) watching porn on a public library computer. With no parents in sight, I notified the librarian. She told me she had no control over the situation and that the library was not responsible for "supervising" the boys. Last I checked, it's illegal for children under 10 to even view a rated R movie much less watch free porn at their public library... which was within walking distance of many families with young children. My research at the time found similar results. The ALA just does not recognize the hazards of this "free speech" on our children, both as victims of it's content and it's consequences.

This is going to be one of those "why I love Missouri" posts. We frequent two libraries. I did some quick checking on their websites, and both have policies in place.

Library number 1:

[Library name] while recognizing the false security and inadequacies of Internet filters, have unanimously voted to place Internet filtering software on public access terminals in order to (1) be in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act so that federal funding will continue to be available and (2) to offer limited protection from offensive sites. We have requested that library staff make patrons aware of the filters and believe that, for minors, parental control continues to be the best protection.

Library 2:

Inappropriate Images—Use of the library’s Internet computer to access material that is obscene, child pornography, or “harmful to minors” is expressly prohibited. Public display or printing of offensive or explicit sexual material is a violation of RS MO-573.060 and will result in suspension or revocation of library services and appropriate penalty under law.

I was curious about Library 1's policy. If there is a federal "Children's Internet Protection Act," why aren't these other libraries worried about it?

I believe that our public libraries have two sets of computers - one set that sits between the teen and children's sections and another set that is in an alcove (the monitors face the wall so there is no problem with people walking by behind the monitor) in the adult book section. The children's computers have filters, the adult's computers do not.

It seems like such a simple solution.

What is unfathomable to me is why, when child pornography is illegal, and a person can be arrested for having it on their home or office computer, it is not illegal to view it in a library. Why aren't library staff arrested for having it on their computers? Is it simply because said computers are "public"?

Yes, this is very disturbing. It's also very unfortunate that some librarians and/or library staff members have chosen to interpret the clause in the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) that allows for adults to request access to unfiltered Internet access at their libraries as a "green light" for porn surfing. What it really means is that adults who are needing to access sites that are blocked by a filter pertaining to topics that are necessary for scholarly research should be granted access to those sites.

Filters are generally not sophisticated enough to judge intention, and tend to "over-block" when there's a chance that a site is inappropriate; thus, someone doing research on breast cancer might be unable to access a site that has photos of breast cancer victims, etc. This scenario is exactly what CIPA allows in its clause for adults requesting unfiltered access, but people with an agenda or those who are terrified of litigation have taken it to mean a free ride for porn surfers.

I am a librarian in Georgia, and in our library, we don't allow porn surfing at all. If someone has managed to find a site with inappropriate content that the filter has missed -and that *does* happen; once again, because filters can't judge intent- we kick them off the machine and remove their Internet privileges. Our policy is that, while adults can choose to browse for porn, they don't have the right to do so in our public facility, which would put it in full view of others who don't want to see it.

Very disturbing, indeed, that some would sacrifice the rights of the many for the rights of the few...

In the library I worked out for nearly five years patrons had to sign a form agreeing to comply with the library's acceptable internet use policy. It included NOT viewing sexually explicit material. I know of about 1/2 dozen people who were suspended from using the internet because of violating this agreement after viewing pornography.

The library had used privacy screens for a couple of years before deciding to remove them. They found people had a false sense of privacy and were viewing very explicit sites that could be seen if you were standing directly in line with the computer screen.

When we found children viewing porn they were also suspended from using the internet. They do have filters on the young adult computers, but children have found ways around this. Because I was not in the administration and did not attend library board meetings I do not know how they reconciled their policies with the ALA position on filters, but I am certainly glad they took the stance that they did.

From first hand experience I know that libraries are sadly not always a "family friendly" place. Christian parents must be vigilant. However, if parents are wise, the local library can be a useful and enjoyable resource for Christian families.

At our public libraries here in northern Alberta it is against policy to look at porn on the computers and can result in loss of library (or at least computer) privileges.

I am a librarian in a public school and we do, of course have filters on our computers. But I have to say many times they are more trouble than they're worth. I would really rather get rid of the filters and just monitor the students (which I do anyway) to ensure they are staying on research sites. For instance, when a student wants to research breast cancer the filter blocks that search as well as searches on STD's etc. These are just some of the examples I've experienced. Since many students do not have computers in their homes I am glad there are unfiltered computers in the public library where they can freely search. That being said, I do believe the libraries should have a policy that does not allow offensive material to be viewed in public and many of them do including the one in my town.

I worked as a library assistant in a public university library for several years. Like most large libraries with public internet access, we encountered this problem. While I sympathize with library patrons who don't want their children accidentally exposed to pornography in a computer lab, I also know that this problem puts librarians in a difficult position. Without the use of content-control software, it's very hard to stop people from viewing pornography. Librarians are there to help people gain access to knowledge, not to discipline adults. Sometimes the best solution is to provide privacy screens or to orient certain computers in the lab such that other users won't be able to see what's on screen.

Using content-control software obviously would cut down on the use of pornography, but it also brings up a whole new set of problems. Who decides what content will be filtered out? What if legitimate, non-pornographic sites are filtered out inadvertently as well? Some libraries have started using content-control software with the provision that it can be turned off at the request of adult users. But many internet users aren't very tech-savvy and may not even understand that the content they're accessing is being filtered.

I'm not saying that having no restrictions is necessarily the right answer for every library -- just that it's a tough issue with no obviously correct solution. Many public libraries are understandably uneasy about the idea of placing limitations on what content adults can access, other than what's dictated by law. (Child pornography, for example, is illegal, whether you're viewing it at home or at the library.)

All member libraries of the eiNetowrk (http://www.einetwork.net/ein/libraries.html)use filters. This group includes most of the libraries in southwestern Pennsylvania, including the branches of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

The libraries seem to have adopted the policy, inspired by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), enacted by Congress in 2000.

CIPA penalizes public libraries who do not implement filters by disqualifying them from discounts.

This is disturbing, but probably not a huge problem, since most people are self-censoring in public environments like that. It needs to be controlled but the ALA is NOT going to help you with that. Also, many librarians interpret censorship very broadly and have a hard time understanding the difference between freedom and license.

The main problem is what's actually in the books over in the children's department. That's often very scary, and like TV, just goes into many people's homes with no thought given to content at all.

Truly sad. I discovered that our public library did not allow literature distribution--I'm not kidding! Read about it here (http://headdibs.blogspot.com/2008/04/library-does-not-allow-literature.html) and here (http://headdibs.blogspot.com/2008/04/library-does-not-allow-literature_21.html)

Quick hits ...

1. That's such heinous and brazen behavior - to view such in the open for all to see. "Have you no shame?"

2. How does the 1st Amendment ensure that someone has to provide access to "free speech"?

Though I disagree, I can understand where they conclude that they are "free" to make smut. But, why do my tax monies have to go to provide for another to view such "speech"?

Hi, Some historical information (2000 through January 2004) on CIPA (The Children's Internet Protection Act) is available at http://www.cdt.org/speech/cipa/

The public library near my house in Louisville, KY, has a policy against viewing any pornographic material on their computers. Everyone has to read a preliminary screen before using the computer and click "OK" if they comply.

Unfortunately, it does not appear to be enforced, because on my first trip to the young adult section (geared toward elementary school students) just a few months ago I saw a man viewing pornographic videos on YouTube on the only computer in that room. I was appalled, and especially so, because this was in a children's section of the library! I was unable to report him, however, because he left before I could talk with a librarian. The whole situation made me sick to my stomach--and to think, our tax dollars pay for people to have such a "freedom"!

Carolyn, Thank you so much for posting this. To answer your question, yes it is going on elsewhere. I live in Minneapolis many people are watching porn on library computers. There are filters on the computers but people seem to know how to get around them. What has been even more disturbing is the blatent pornographic material that is available to check out. This material is very explicit and is readily available for anyone to check out. Children/teens have access to these kinds of materials as well. We have been praying about how to address this issue where we live. I am interested to hear from others who are aware of this in their communities and what they have done/ are doing about it.

When I lived in my hometown, I used the public library computers often while I saved up to buy my own. I never saw anything untoward while I was there. But I can say that when I went back to this library when I visited my parents at Christmas, there were signs posted prohibiting the use of either Face Book or My Space on the library computers. (Presumably, those using their own laptops and simply using the library's wireless service faced no such restrictions.) I wonder then, is this library flagrantly violating the free speech laws Carolyn mentions, or do they know something we don't?

I have worked for a library in a Minneapolis suburb for almost 8 years. It absolutely is shocking and frightening to see what is happening.
It is an exhausting thing for me to continually filter the materials I check in and out and shelve, as more and more explicit material becomes part of our collection. The library is a reflection of the culture we live in and things are changing very rapidly. It truly is not the safe place we often think of in terms of libraries. When we first got the Internet in our system there were no filters and I have seen the most horrible things as our library is small and the computers are out in the open. Initially it would just be pictures and then movies and clips, things I'd never seen in my life. I would often go home in tears. They installed filters and also hired a security guard about a year ago and that has helped greatly, although there are still problems.The guard has to watch constantly to keep things in order. People are asked to leave if they continue to watch pornography and I am grateful for that. There are ways to get through the filters however and the guard cannot be everywhere at once. My heart breaks for the young people who devour this. I pray for them often. The Internet is only part of the problem though. I think most people would be absolutely shocked at some of the materials that are in our library system. The covers on the "How to Books" and the newer romance novels in particular, are often soft porn and sometimes more, not to mention extremely graphic titles, and this is just on the covers. There are definitely movies that are truly porn under the "guise" of foreign art films. Just last week I filed a formal complaint as a new book was released into our library, which I had to shelve. It's a fiction book called "Smut Vol 1" and it contains graphic nudity along with extremely explicit pornographic short stories. Another title that absolutely broke my heart is called, "Pimpology." It is a non-fiction book on how to become a sucessful pimp. These are just examples as the library is filled with this stuff, both fiction and non-fiction. I always recommend that parents never let their children browse the adult cartoon section as it is filled with cartoon porn, the Anime being the worst. The list could go on and on and I see it getting worse every year. My husband and I have many times questioned how long I can stay there, which is heart breaking as I do love working at the libary but for now, we believe the Lord has me there for a purpose. But there may soon come a time when God will ask me to leave. I ask people to pray for our public libraries.

good heavens. why doesn't the same policy apply to libraries as does to workplaces - no porn viewing. Signs could be put up at front of the libraries that it's a condition of entry that you accept conditions in relation to internet usage, and if you want to view other things, here are a list of the internet cafes where you can pay... The click to accept screen that we all get at work is the best idea (as mentioend by a previous commenter).
Outrageous use of public resources.

I remember in our college library people from the public - not students - coming in a viewing pornography from our computers. It was an older man sitting in the midst of young college girls. I was outraged, but of course couldn't do anything. Now I wish I would have at least spoken up.

Interesting points about the San Jose case:

* The main branch of the library is on the campus of San Jose State University -- which has one of two Library & Information Science grad programs (the degree you need to be a Librarian) in California (the other one is at UCLA). Interesting because this forces it from being an intellectual debate over free speech (which it definitely is), to a very real issue in the community.
* There's currently a proposal to put in filters at the library (I have a feeling this came about in part because of KGO-TV's coverage). From what I can tell it's still under evaluation.

I absolutely view pornography as wrong, and that calling it "free speech" is a huge stretch. I have to say that there are always folks on the more radical end, but I would surmise that most librarians are not particularly excited to see their resources used in such a way. As employees of a public institution, they may be forced to enforce a policy which, in truth, they are personally against.

I'm pleased, however, to hear that many librarians *are* standing against this!

This is a major issue and we fought it legislatively for some years. The leftist ALA is, as your friend discovered, quite against any limits on what taxpayer funded public computers can be used to view. But federal law (CIPA) now states that libraries have the right to filter computers if they choose and connects this w/ receipt of federal monies (though I think courts have enjoined aspects of the law).

I would suggest that your friend start a petition to your local board of supervisors and the library board in her county asking that library computers be filtered or at least that patrons who wish to view obscene material be restricted to one computer in an area which children cannot access. Tell them that if your child is exposed to filth you will talk to an attorney about suing the library board for exposing your child to corrupting material.

I just recently realized this was the policy at our libary as well. Thankfully, because we live in a smaller community, the librarians are able from the back to monitor what everyone is viewing on their computer and if it is questionable, they turn them off. I hope no one decides to challenge this as I imagine they would lose. But for now, I'm thankful they are attempting to watch out for us and our children.

Hi Carolyn,
This same thing happened to me at a Research One library at a major university where I live. I went and told the librarian and she made this person leave because he was not a student. I don't what would have happened if he had been a student. It is frightening to witness the rapid descent of U.S. culture. I use technology often in my work but I am alarmed at the ease with which horribly graphic, violent, sexual, and pornographic images, text, etc. can be accessed by people of any age in our nation. Sometimes I think the Internet is both great and really horrible.

Post a comment

Comments are moderated, and will not appear on this weblog until the author has approved them.

If you have a TypeKey or TypePad account, please Sign In

Books Worth Buying

  • Joshua Harris: Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is): Sexual Purity in a Lust-Saturated World

    Joshua Harris: Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is): Sexual Purity in a Lust-Saturated World
    Everyone struggles with sinful sexual temptation. Everyone. So what can you do about it? Josh Harris candidly explains how to untangle God's good gift of sex from the issues of lust and sexual sin. A great book for both men and women!

  • Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw: Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed

    Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw: Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed
    This is a short book with a lot of wisdom. At under 100 pages, it won't take a lot of time to read. But the eternal perspective on time management that it contains will be well worth the investment.

  • Dave Harvey: When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage

    Dave Harvey: When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage
    Dave brings a humorous and light touch to a heavy subject, creating a winsome and appealing approach to an important topic. Dave spends the first four chapters addressing the doctrine of sin and why we need to have a healthy suspicion of our own hearts and motives before seeking to address the hearts and motives of others. But some of the greatest "gold" is found in chapters five and six, when Dave addresses mercy and forgiveness. Recommended for everyone--you don't need to be married to learn from this book how to live redemptively in close relationships.

  • John Ensor: Doing Things Right in Matters of the Heart

    John Ensor: Doing Things Right in Matters of the Heart
    A basic, user-friendly guide on the weighty matters of romance and the roles of men and women. Highly readable, concise guidance on how men and women can find lasting romance and enduring friendships.

  • Timothy S. Lane and Paul D. Tripp: How People Change

    Timothy S. Lane and Paul D. Tripp: How People Change
    This book helps Christians understand the roots of problems that are bearing bad fruit in their lives. Then it shows how the gospel can exchange bad roots for good roots--and good fruit. A gracious and encouraging book for anyone weary of trying to change through sheer willpower alone.

  • Tim Lane and Paul Tripp: Relationships: A Mess Worth Making

    Tim Lane and Paul Tripp: Relationships: A Mess Worth Making
    I love this title! The mess is because of our sin and self-centered drives. The worth comes from what God is doing among our relationships. There are so many excellent insights in this book--I recommend it for everyone. Though we tend to think romance when we hear the word "relationship," this book addresses a far broader scope with graciousness and biblical truth.

  • Gary & Betsy Ricucci: Love That Lasts: When Grace Meets Marriage

    Gary & Betsy Ricucci: Love That Lasts: When Grace Meets Marriage
    This is the second edition of a book I first read as a new believer. It was the first book I ever read on marriage and its gracious and encouraging approach made an indelible mark. This revised edition is even meatier and more winsome than the first. Highly recommended for singles and marrieds alike.

  • C. H. Spurgeon: The Triumph of Faith in a Believer's Life

    C. H. Spurgeon: The Triumph of Faith in a Believer's Life
    This collection of Spurgeon's writings spans faith's sure foundations to what mature faith looks like. It is both inspiring and practical, and will revive the flickering embers of faith in any reader's soul.

  • Henry T. Blackaby, Richard Blackaby: Hearing God's Voice

    Henry T. Blackaby, Richard Blackaby: Hearing God's Voice
    This book expands on many of the principles found in Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby's highly successful book from the mid-'90s. It reminds us that we are here to serve God's purposes and not vice versa, so our prayers should be conformed the same way. The authors help us to discern the voice of God, to identify ways He speaks, and to respond to revelations of His will. An ideal book for those who are seeking God for direction and guidance.

  • C.J. Mahaney: Living the Cross-Centered Life

    C.J. Mahaney: Living the Cross-Centered Life
    It seems that there are many ideas that compete for the attention of single adults. In the end, what we will be commended for has nothing to do with having a 'successful' dating life, a great career, the ability to travel widely, or to own a lot of expensive possessions. It has to do with hearing, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' This little book keeps us all focused on the One who is our mediator. An outstanding resource for any Christian who feels caught in the "performance trap."

  • John Piper: God Is the Gospel: Meditations on God's Love As the Gift of Himself

    John Piper: God Is the Gospel: Meditations on God's Love As the Gift of Himself
    This compact book argues eloquently that the good news of the Gospel is all the things we normally assume--salvation, justification, propitiation, new heavens and new earth, etc. But the heart of the Gospel is not found in the gifts of God but in God Himself. The good news of the gospel is the enjoyment of the glory of God in Christ. Recommended especially for long-time Christians who may need to be refreshed in the wonder of the Gospel.

  • John MacArthur: NASB MacArthur Study Bible

    John MacArthur: NASB MacArthur Study Bible
    This is the revised edition of Dr. MacArthur's study notes and commentary within the NASB translation. This Bible includes additional supplements on topics such as how we got the Bible, how to study the Bible, and the progress of revelation. An excellent personal study Bible!

  • Paul David Tripp: Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens

    Paul David Tripp: Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens
    Do you think rebellion is automatic in the teen years? It shouldn't be. Paul Tripp's book challenges our assumptions and shows parents how to make the teen years a season of opportunity, instead.

  • Mark Dever: The Message of the New Testament: Promises Kept

    Mark Dever: The Message of the New Testament: Promises Kept
    What a priceless Bible study tool this is! Though Mark is a superb scholar, his evangelist's heart is clearly evident in his accessible writing style. This book is packed with outstanding teaching but it is written in a winsome manner that is free of dense theological terms. The goal of this book is to present an overview of each book of the New Testament so that we can understand how it fits in with the rest of the Bible.

  • John MacArthur: Twelve Extraordinary Women

    John MacArthur: Twelve Extraordinary Women
    The women MacArthur chose as subjects for this book are: Eve, Sarah, Rahab, Ruth, Hannah, Mary, Anna, The Samaritan Woman, Martha and Mary, Mary Magdalene and Lydia. Each chapter goes into the cultural and theological background of these women and then shows how God worked through ordinary women to make their faith and fruit extraordinary. Highly recommended!

  • Nancy Leigh DeMoss, editor: Biblical Womanhood in the Home (Foundations for the Family Series)

    Nancy Leigh DeMoss, editor: Biblical Womanhood in the Home (Foundations for the Family Series)
    This book collects chapters from several leading women writers and teachers to address a wide array of topics concerning biblical womanhood. I'm partial to Carolyn Mahaney's two chapters on femininity and beauty, but I also highly recommend Nancy Leigh DeMoss's two chapters on the portraits of a wise and foolish woman.

  • Tedd Tripp: Shepherding A Child's Heart

    Tedd Tripp: Shepherding A Child's Heart
    Every adult should read this book, but it's a Must for parents. As you'll soon read in this valuable book, parenting is not about behavior modification--it's about reaching the heart of children so they understand their motives, their sinfulness, and ultimately their need for a Savior.

  • Sinclair Ferguson: Discovering God's Will

    Sinclair Ferguson: Discovering God's Will
    The counsel contained in this slim volume is timeless. Nine chapters comprise the book: God's Ultimate Purpose, Guidelines for Guidance, Guarding the Heart, A Christian Lifestyle, Principles of Conduct, Consider Your Calling, Marriage?, Wait for the Lord, and He Leads Me. The last four chapters are priceless, but they need to be read on the foundation of the teaching in the earlier chapters.

  • C.J. Mahaney: Humility: True Greatness

    C.J. Mahaney: Humility: True Greatness
    This small book packs a wallop. C.J. starts by showing us why God opposes the proud and is drawn to the humble. Then he illustrates how to cultivate humility in many practical ways. From chapters on The Promise of Humility and The Perils of Pride, to Identifying Evidences of Grace and Responding Humbly to Trials, this is a book of seasoned wisdom.

  • Randy Newman: Questioning Evangelism

    Randy Newman: Questioning Evangelism
    This book helps us understand how to ask questions of unbelievers to expose their assumptions about God and get to the heart of their questions--rather than getting sidetracked in our conversations. I'm still reading this book, so I'll add more commentary when I'm finished. But the fact that my pastor recommended it was all I needed to buy it!

  • Randy Alcorn: Money, Possessions & Eternity

    Randy Alcorn: Money, Possessions & Eternity
    Here is a comprehensive study of what the Scriptures teach about earning, spending, saving, and investing money. Randy is a gracious writer with a personal testimony of living what he has written. It's a big book, but well worth the investment to purchase and read it.

  • Randy Alcorn: Safely Home

    Randy Alcorn: Safely Home
    This is a fictional account of a Christian persecuted for his faith in China, but Randy Alcorn has done his homework. You'll learn a lot about the reality of Christianity in China through reading Safely Home. But you won't be able to read it flippantly. Well-crafted, well-developed, and moving--I highly recommend it.

  • Wayne Grudem: Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth

    Wayne Grudem: Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth
    While Mary Kassian's book (below) is a great sociological examination of the impact of second-wave feminism on our culture, Wayne Grudem's book is a detailed look at the claims of evangelical feminists against the teaching of Scripture. An excellent theological resource, written in a thorough yet humble manner. This is a life's work from Dr. Grudem and well worth having in your own personal library.

  • Mary Kassian: The Feminist Mistake

    Mary Kassian: The Feminist Mistake
    This book is subtitled "The Radical Impact of Feminism on Church and Culture." It's an in-depth, academic overview of the impact of what's been called second-wave feminism, spanning 1960s to 1990 or so. As a former feminist, it was eye-opening to read an historical account about the era in which I grew up. Kassian is a thorough writer, and her writing and research underscores one essential point: When you start by disregarding one aspect of the Bible's teaching, it's a short ride down a slippery slope to discarding Christianity altogether. A sobering read.

  • Arthur Bennett, editor: The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

    Arthur Bennett, editor: The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions
    I once read that the public prayers of Christians today are anemic and repetitive. That charge may be true. If so, this book could be a remedy. It is a collection of Puritan prayers and devotions, organized by theme. This is one of my favorite tools in my personal devotions. I enjoy reading these prayers aloud, for their vocabulary and grammar force me to slowly savor their meaning. I am not praying aloud these days with the Puritan "thee" and "thou," but I do remember their concepts and try to incorporate their ideas into my prayers. As one writer here stated, "We ask great things of a great God." That's as true today as it was 400 years ago.

  • John Piper: When I Don’t Desire God: How To Fight For Joy

    John Piper: When I Don’t Desire God: How To Fight For Joy
    Joy doesn't just happen. It's a fight for most Christians. And this book is an excellent guide for both why and how. An excellent resource for Christians who have grown weary and/or rusty in their personal devotions.

  • R. C. Sproul, editor: The Reformation Study Bible

    R. C. Sproul, editor: The Reformation Study Bible
    This is the English Standard Version Bible with study notes from contributors such as Wayne Grudem, Sinclair Ferguson, Bruce Waltke, Graeme Goldsworthy, and James Boice. It's the version I currently use for personal study.

  • Jonathan Edwards: Charity and Its Fruits

    Jonathan Edwards: Charity and Its Fruits
    Charity is the old-fashioned word for love. This book is a collection of sermons from Jonathan Edwards from the mid-1700s. It's not a fast read, but it's worth the work to plumb the concept of Christian love as understood in another era by a formidable theologian.

  • Gary Thomas: Sacred Marriage

    Gary Thomas: Sacred Marriage
    Gary asks the book's central question in its subtitle: What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy? In this book, Gary looks at marriage as a spiritual discipline, examining how marriage is one way God conforms us to the image of Christ. Many of my newly married friends have found this book to be quite helpful.

  • Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre: Girl Talk

    Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre: Girl Talk
    This book, written by a mother-daughter duo, is for both mothers and daughters to go through together. It's subtitled "Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood." I've given many copies away to mothers. But I've also heard of single fathers going through the book with their daughters. No matter how it's done, the point of the book is to disciple pre-teen and teen girls about biblical womanhood. It's an outstanding and winsomely-written book.

  • Lies Women Believe: Nancy Leigh DeMoss

    Lies Women Believe: Nancy Leigh DeMoss
    The subtitle is, "And the Truth that sets them free," which is really the focus of this succinct yet wide-ranging book by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Tackling lies we can believe about God, ourselves, sin, priorities, marriage, children, emotions, and circumstances, there is plenty here to challenge our current thinking and replace it with truth from God's Word.

  • Noel Piper: Faithful Women and their Extraordinary God

    Noel Piper: Faithful Women and their Extraordinary God
    This book profiles five women who lived courageous, fruitful lives from the 1700s on. Four of the five were single women, a fact that was not lost on me. A book that will provoke you to examine your own life. Highly recommended!

  • Elizabeth George: Loving God with All Your Mind

    Elizabeth George: Loving God with All Your Mind
    By going through Philippians 4:8, Elizabeth George teaches us how to think thoughts about God and others that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and excellent. An excellent book for women who wrestle with sinful judgments of others (suspicion, insecurity, and critical attitudes).

  • Edward T. Welch: Depression: A Stubborn Darkness

    Edward T. Welch: Depression: A Stubborn Darkness
    Everyone wrestles with depression at various times and in varying degrees, and this book is an outstanding resource for defeating it. Ed Welch writes with such compassion and clarity, yet with firm conviction in the sufficiency of God's Word. Each chapter tackles different manifestations of depression and assigns helpful "homework" assignments for overcoming depression. The book closes with advice to friends and family members of those who suffer from more severe depression.

  • John Piper: Don't Waste Your Life

    John Piper: Don't Waste Your Life
    It seems that John Piper writes books faster than I can read them. This is one of his more accessible books and it makes a strong argument for living wisely in light of eternity.

  • Joni Eareckson Tada, Steven Estes: When God Weeps

    Joni Eareckson Tada, Steven Estes: When God Weeps
    This powerful book explores the issue of suffering. Joni writes elegantly of her personal trials as a quadriplegic, and Steve Estes adds a pastoral voice and perspective about God's character. Includes one of the most powerful chapters about the crucifixion that I've ever read. It will take your breath away--if you can still read it through your tears.

  • Jerry Bridges: Trusting God

    Jerry Bridges: Trusting God
    In the end, the Christian life boils down to one simple element: trusting God. In this classic book, Jerry Bridges writes clearly and pointedly about what we must do to grow in our relationship with God and to trust Him unreservedly.

  • Edward T. Welch: When People Are Big and God Is Small

    Edward T. Welch: When People Are Big and God Is Small
    There's a lot of talk these days about peer pressure and co-dependency. The Bible calls it "fear of man," which includes both being afraid of people and craving their approval. EVERYONE is affected by this sin tendency, and in this book Ed Welch wipes aside the murk and provides a shining view of God's grace. One of the most significant books in my life. A Must Read for singles!

  • Ken Sande: The Peacemaker

    Ken Sande: The Peacemaker
    When conflict arises in your life, do you ever see it as an opportunity to glorify God? You will after you read this book. Ken Sande provides clear, biblically-based thinking on conflict resolution.

  • Charles Spurgeon, Roy H. Clarke: Beside Still Waters

    Charles Spurgeon, Roy H. Clarke: Beside Still Waters
    This daily devotional features a collection of C.H. Spurgeon's writings on suffering, faith, and perseverance in trials. My copy is exceedingly highlighted. Recommended for every Christian, but especially for those whose faith is flagging due to trials or disappointments.

  • Joshua Harris: Boy Meets Girl

    Joshua Harris: Boy Meets Girl
    This is my favorite Josh Harris book. I highly recommend chapter ten, "When Your Past Comes Knocking," for those wrestling with past sexual sin. Josh candidly explores how to experience God's forgiveness, both to receive yourself and to extend to others.

  • Matthew Henry: The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit (Puritan Writings)

    Matthew Henry: The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit (Puritan Writings)
    It's good to read authors from different centuries, just to shake out the 21st-century ideas and tap into some timeless wisdom. Though this book requires some concentration to read, there is nothing else like it for learning to subdue your passions and cultivate contentment.

  • Paul Tripp: War of Words

    Paul Tripp: War of Words
    You know the old saying--women use WAY more words in any given day than men do. That's why this is a Must Read for every woman. The subtitle says it all: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles.

  • Paul Tripp: Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands

    Paul Tripp: Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands
    Have you ever found yourself at a loss to try to help or counsel someone else? Have you been too critical? Too impatient? Too disinterested? This book shows people in need of change how to help people who need change. It's a roadmap for grace when sinners counsel other sinners.

  • Paul Tripp: Lost in the Middle

    Paul Tripp: Lost in the Middle
    The subtitle is "Midlife and the Grace of God." An outstanding book! Don't let the "midlife" label turn you away. It will give you a Godward perspective whether you are tempted by a "quarter-life" crisis, "thirtysomething" crisis, or a full-blown "buy the Corvette and get a face lift" midlife crisis. A "crisis" is really just God showing us we've been putting our hopes into something other than Him. Paul Tripp challenges us to examine the harvest from our lives and not give up hope for planting a newer, more fruitful one in the future.

  • Joshua Harris: Stop Dating the Church

    Joshua Harris: Stop Dating the Church
    You may be experiencing a "lack of commitment" in many areas of your life, but there's one area for Christians that shouldn't be affected: commitment to the church. Not convinced? Read this book.

  • John Piper, Justin Taylor: Sex and the Supremacy of Christ

    John Piper, Justin Taylor: Sex and the Supremacy of Christ
    This book is a compilation of messages given at the 2005 Desiring God National Conference. In our sex-saturated society, this book is important for singles to read--not only because there are specific chapters included for single men and women--but because throughout the book God's glory is promoted and His original purpose for sex is celebrated without shame.

  • C.J. Mahaney: Sex, Romance and the Glory of God

    C.J. Mahaney: Sex, Romance and the Glory of God
    This is a Must Read for married men and those about to get married. I would even recommend it for single men who have converted as adults and who need to find a biblically-oriented guide to what God really intended in the gift of sex.

  • Carolyn Mahaney: Feminine Appeal

    Carolyn Mahaney: Feminine Appeal
    Many single women have asked me what books they should be reading in order to prepare for marriage--or even to better understand marriage in order to relate to their married friends. This is one of the Must Reads. Based on the principles found in Titus 2, Carolyn Mahaney addresses the virtues that all godly women (married and single) should emulate.

  • Carolyn McCulley: Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye?

    Carolyn McCulley: Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye?
    Of course I have to plug my own book. But remember, the title is a question, not a statement! The subtitle is the heart of the book: Trusting God with a Hope Deferred. A book for single women of all ages who want to understand what biblical femininity looks like for an umarried woman.