Edify, Encourage, Equip. Those three words are the mission statement of Colonial’s library; Sharon Fitzpatrick and a friend painted them over the circulation desk so that no one would ever forget. For almost a decade, Sharon invested countless hours into the library, making it an inviting place where anyone would feel welcome to come and choose from a premier selection of Christian resources—leaving a legacy that will be long-remembered.

Last week, Sharon and her husband, Pat, moved their family back to Sharon’s home state, Pennsylvania. Pat has accepted a position there as Head of School at a private Christian school located in Bucks County, PA, north of Philadelphia. “I don’t know what God has for me next,” said Sharon. “But, I know He will use what He’s grown in me [during my years working in Colonial’s library].” Pastor Scott Wylie who is responsible for the library is sure she will be missed. “Her desire to share Christ by providing an atmosphere where people can enjoy Truth through literature and media was most easily seen in her oversight of the new, expanded library and her efforts to computerize the checkout procedures. Sharon was always looking for ways to create an enjoyable library experience for volunteers and patrons.”

From the beginning, Sharon’s vision for Colonial’s library was unique. She envisioned a place that reminded her of the church libraries she knew when she was growing up. Sharon wanted the library to be a place where people could gather, visit and find the best Christian resources available—in a warm and welcoming environment, without being told to be quiet!

Sharon graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in Psychology, so she has no specific background in library science. She said: “Sometimes you don’t have the technical background, but the Lord will have prepared you for a particular ministry. My passion is Christian resources and how they can enrich the life of a Christian.” Sharon is a gifted administrator and organizer. Those skills served her well as the library made a major transition to the new expanded facilities in the Children’s Center.

Though Sharon doesn’t see herself as a people person, she whole-heartedly believes a large part of her ministry as Library Director was to minister to the almost 40 library volunteers. “None of them are paid, so it’s about ministering to them as volunteers, so they stay and enjoy [working here],” said Sharon. “Sharon has strong organizational skills and is very detail-oriented. This allowed her to be a strong leader for the library volunteers, but above all, she opened her heart and showed the volunteers how much she cares about them. Her staff deeply appreciated her and, as a result, there has been very little turnover with our volunteers,” said Pastor Wylie.

Sharon understands being a committed volunteer. For the first several years, working in the library was a volunteer position for her—even though she often put in 40-hour weeks to get the job done. A couple of years ago, her position became a staff position, but for Sharon it remained a work of love, not just a job. As her manager, Pastor Wylie understands that as well as anyone. “Sharon's heart for sharing God's Word allowed her to be an instrumental part of the library's expansion. Whether organizing volunteers, handling finances, implementing kids' reading programs or helping a patron, Sharon touched the lives of the people who have walked through the library doors.”

Sharon knows she is leaving the library in good hands. Frank and Suzanne Strider, who are familiar faces to all Colonial library patrons, will be assuming her role, acting as co-directors. “I have every confidence that it [the library] will go forward and that the vision of ministry first will continue—I hope that will be my fingerprint.” Sharon is indeed leaving a legacy.