The library was given a Harper Collins Bible Dictionary in a presentation to me by Rev. Boles on my 80th birthday on Palm Sunday. I thank Margaret on behalf of both myself and the library. This latest edition, published 1996, replaces a very old (1963) Hasting’s Bible Dictionary. Among the features listed on the book jacket are 3,700 entries, 590 black and white photos, 53 color photos, an updated pronunciation guide, 72 black and white maps and 18 color maps. I especially like the many color maps that inform the reader of the terrain, the typical vegetation, and even the elevation. Did you know that the Sea of Galilee is almost 700 feet below sea level – lower than Death Valley? The map section also has a major index of cities and other features. One map shows over 100 archeological sites in Israel and Jordan, all with their names.

This new addition will go directly to the Reference Shelf. When you visit that shelf, it might be good to peruse what’s there and take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with a few of the wonderful items kept there, like the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, the Harper’s Bible Commentary and the Interpreter’s One-Volume Commentary on the Bible. Each of these has unique types of contents. Similarly, the several Bible dictionaries each have their own specialities, so I recommend, when you search these resources for something, you peruse more than one. Some of them have the title of "Bible Wordbook" or "Theological Wordbook." Don't ask me to explain!

Rudy Dyck, Librarian