"When I was a little girl, I would often accompany my mom (an elementary school teacher) to the library on Sunday afternoons to check out books for her weekly lesson plans. I got a lot of joy out of searching through the shelves for new authors and picking out a book or two to read throughout the week. My mom would get so mad because in the time it took for her to find books, check out and drive home I would frequently finish what I had checked out. Books were an early opportunity in my life to appreciate a good story, develop a love of written words, and grow a style for my later writing career at a local newspaper.
"As I’ve grown older, I have found libraries and bookstores to be magical places. I can still get lost in the aisles and completely lose track of time, an effect that few other places on Earth have in what has become a very demanding life. Recently, I’ve had a lot of joy in sharing this time warp with my 12-year-old reader. “Mommy, can you take me to get some more books?” is a very precious request.
"In recent years, I have to read a lot for work and graduate school, but I still appreciate a good historical fiction novel or mission story—one that makes us consider the world and how we relate to one another differently. Reading informs a lot of the ministry I do and who I continue to become."
Meghann Cotter, a lifetime native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, is a 2004 graduate of Emory & Henry College. While studying Mass Communications and Public Policy & Community Service, Meghann served as editor of the student newspaper. She returned to Fredericksburg to work three years at The Free Lance-Star, covering business and Stafford County government.
She left the news business in 2007 to become Executive Servant-Leader for Micah Ecumenical Ministries. Micah, a local non-profit organization governed by nine downtown churches, formed in 2005. The agency is founded on the biblical call of Micah 6:8: do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. She has a master’s degree in Community Development from Eastern University and is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry degree from Northern Seminary.
Meghann shared a number of her favorite books with the library community:
In addition to those on the list above, you can also check out the following eBooks from our hoopla service:, opens a new window
Beyond Homelessness by Steven Bouma-Predinger and Brian Walsh
"This is a compelling yet more academic exploration of the underlying constructs of homelessness and how the Christian theology compels us to respond 'beyond' the practicalities of literal homelessness. It is a challenging, heart-rearranging analysis of a social issue that is often tackled with black-and-white thinking. It has helped me to understand, above all else, what our neighbors really need is us.
Welcome Homeless by Alan Graham
"True story of how the founder of an Austin food truck ministry built relationships with unhoused community members and was inspired to build a small home community that created a more wholistic care. The Community First Village he created has been an inspiration and guide for Micah’s vision for Jeremiah Community. Many of the stories Graham tells have compelling parallels to those Micah has cared for."
