by Buffy Greentree, BST Librarian
Meet Jess. Jess is a ministry worker, a BST grad, and an unabashed lover of biblical commentaries. But with sermon prep, small group leading, and a mountain of pastoral paperwork, she hadn’t set foot in the library since graduation.
Until now.
9:12am – Rediscovering a Hidden Treasure
On a slow Wednesday morning, Jess signs in at reception and strolls down into the W.J. Tunley Memorial Library. She’s greeted by that familiar sense of calm (and the delightful bookish smell), though she notices a few new touches.
When did they get a turtle? It’s so cute!
9:25am – Fuel for the Sermon
Settling in to prep a sermon series on 1 Peter, Jess dives into the online catalogue. It lists half a dozen commentaries she’s been eyeing off—her “someday, when I win the lottery” list.
She heads straight to the shelves. Along the way, she spots a pastoral care guide she didn’t even know she needed. Into the bag it goes.
12:07pm – A Curious Question
Where did the time go? She blames the comfy armchairs. She glances at her growing pile of books—some still unopened—and pauses.
“Wait… am I actually allowed to borrow these?”
She sidles over to the librarian, who grins and assures her, “You’re an alum—you’re very welcome.”
Even better? With an Alumni Premium Membership (just $25 once-off), Jess can access thousands of eBooks and journals from home too.
She signs up on the spot.
1:40pm – Ministry on the Move
Back at her church desk, Jess logs into ProQuest and EBSCOhost using her brand-new login. She’s greeted by a smorgasbord of theological eBooks and journals—including access to the ATLA Religion Database.
Ministry prep just went digital.
9:15pm – Reading for the Soul
That evening, Jess pulls from her bag one last find: Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis, from the GAP (General, Academic, Personal growth) collection. Theology, she muses, comes in many forms.
While the library has no fines and generous renewals (up to three times online), Jess knows she won’t be waiting that long.
There are too many good books—and too many nooks left to explore.
Why Jess Loves Being a Library Member:
- Access to 30,000+ books, 4,000+ eBooks, and 750+ journals
- Borrow physical items for 15 days, renew online
- Off-site access to eBooks and ATLA journal articles via EBSCOhost, ProQuest & ePlatform
- All for just $25 once-off as an Alumni Premium Member or $50/year for casual members.
Want to be like Jess?
If you’re a BST grad (or know one), it’s time to come back and borrow!
- Drop by during business hours (Mon–Fri, 8.30–5)
- Or sign up for off-site access here.
The BST Library – Shaped by His Word; Serving His World.
