The Library at Hood Theological Seminary will hold an open house from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. today, and on Saturday, Nov. 1. The public is invited.

Jess Bellemer, director of the library, announced the open houses. “The Library at Hood has been revisioned as a Learning Commons; a space that goes beyond just a collection of books. In this new model, the library plays a more active role in the retention and increased engagement of students at Hood Theological Seminary.”

The mission of the library at Hood is to support students on and off campus while they are enrolled at Hood and after they have graduated. The collection has been examined with a greater focus on meeting student needs. The staff provides research, educational technology and writing support. More technology has been made available to students through a new computer lab created in large part through a grant from the N.C. Lutheran Synod–ELCA. Students may also borrow other technological tools from the library, including laptops and e-readers.

The library is also a resource for alumni and area clergy. Hours are Monday, Thursday and Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; and Friday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.

Also new to the library is the Writing Center made possible through gifts from Salisbury residents Sara and Bob Cook over the past three years. Students can make appointments with Steph Teasley, the writing instructor, who works with them one-on-one to improve their academic writing skills. By integrating the development of research skills in the library with the building of writing skills in the writing center, the library staff seeks to strengthen students’ confidence and academic abilities.

Sara Cook is a trustee of the seminary and has been a leader working with many aspects of the seminary. Margaret Kluttz, development officer, said “The seminary is indebted to Sara for her unwavering service to and support of Hood through the years. Whenever she sees a need here, she responds in thoughtful, generous ways that make wonderful things happen to strengthen and enrich the life of the seminary. Her faithful support promotes Hood’s success in carrying out its mission of theological education for effective ministry in a diverse society”.

Hood Theological Seminary,  is located at 1810 Lutheran Synod Drive.

It is a graduate and professional school where intellectual discourse and ministerial preparation occur in tandem within the framework of a community of faith. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, the Seminary is sponsored by the AME Zion Church and approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church. Its student body currently comprises persons from many different denominations.  As a theological seminary, it provides for the church an educational community in which Christian maturity and ministerial preparation take place together.