Our Library Is for Everyone
The Christiansen Memorial Library at Lutheran Brethren Seminary (LBS) has been, and continues to serve as, a central resource for the CLB. The library holds more than 20,000 print volumes, plus online digital databases that contain academic journals and e-books, along with scholarly articles.
Renamed in 1990 to honor Reverend Christopher Christiansen (1902-1982), a former seminary professor and librarian, the library plays a vital role in supporting the mission of LBS, promoting a Christ-centered understanding of Scripture, and equipping graduates with the skills and character needed for effective ministry. It provides access to materials across various disciplines including biblical studies, Church history, systematic theology, and sermon preparation.
We have recently implemented substantial modernization initiatives by beginning the difficult process of transitioning our classification system from Dewey Decimal to Library of Congress Classification. Doing so will place Christiansen Memorial Library on competitive footing with other renowned seminary libraries in the Midwest and beyond. We are also working to enhance our digital offerings through partnerships with JSTOR and Logos for Education. Modernization and expansion initiatives also aim to improve accessibility in alignment with the Seminary’s focus on distance education.
Both students and faculty benefit from the library’s extensive and contemporary theological resources. We strive to support the theological and spiritual growth of our seminarians and pastors in their academic pursuit as well as sermon preparation on a weekly basis.
Above photograph from Faith & Fellowship Magazine (November 5, 1990)
Pastors John Kilde (left) and Don Brue (right) presented a plaque to Mrs. Julia Christiansen (second from the left) and her daughter Alta Hemmingson, at the Lutheran Brethren Schools’ Homecoming Service, October 7, 1990. The plaque commemorated the recent naming of the Christiansen Memorial Library at Lutheran Brethren Seminary. Pastor Christiansen served as an instructor and librarian at Lutheran Brethren Schools for many years.
Supporting the Denomination
While the library serves seminary students and faculty first, its abundant resources are available to the broader CLB community! We wish to encourage and educate laypeople, church leaders, and future pastors within the denomination, equipping them for their ministries or personal studies.
We welcome you to explore the library’s offerings―whether by contacting the library for assistance, accessing digital resources via the online catalog (visit www.LBS.edu and clink on “Library”), or visiting the facility in person. It is our prayer that the library allow members of the denomination to deepen their understanding of Scripture, strengthen their ministry, and connect with the rich heritage of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren.
The Christiansen Memorial Library is a testament to the Lutheran Brethren Seminary’s dedication to theological instruction and the development of spiritual leaders. The library is committed to its ongoing support of the denomination’s disciple-making mission.
Brent Andrews is the Librarian and Instructional Technology Specialist at Lutheran Brethren Seminary.