LISA’S LIBRARY IS A centerpiece of the Our Lady Queen of Angels Ministry Center, a welcoming space adorned with reminders of the Catholic faith and the call to holiness.
Just inside the entrance, two adjoining walls lined with an extensive collection of Catholic books invite visitors to pause and explore. Above the shelves, an inscription and logo designed by staff member Anita Tak welcome guests with a simple question: “So, What Are You Reading?” The message sets the tone for the library while honoring the life and legacy of Lisa Nollette, whose love of reading and lifelong pursuit of faith continue to inspire others.
THE LIBRARY HONORS LISA NOLLETTE, WHO SERVED AS THE DIRECTOR OF ADULT FAITH FORMATION AT THE PARISH FOR MANY YEARS BEFORE HER DEATH IN 2022. PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Nollette served as director of Adult Faith Formation at the Newport Beach parish from January 2015 through October 2021. After being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, she died on Sept. 14, 2022. Her faith and love of learning and dedication to forming disciples continue to inspire the parish community through Lisa’s Library.
“She was the social conscience of the parish,” recalled ministry center staffer Grace Wickersham. “She changed the parish in many ways.”
KATHY D’ASCOLI, THE FACILITATOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS AT OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS, POSES FOR A PORTRAIT ON THURSDAY, JULY 30.
After Nollette’s death, Kathy D’Ascoli, facilitator of First Impressions and Alpha Program coordinator, spearheaded a project to honor Nollette’s life, service to OLQA and love of books. It was decided that developing a library was a fitting tribute to Nollette. D’Ascoli worked closely with the church’s pastor at the time, Fr. Steve Sallot, to coordinate the library’s development.
The library began from humble beginnings. Portable book racks were set up outside the Ministry Center before moving indoors to its current location. It was formally dedicated on April 26, 2023.
D’Ascoli describes Lisa’s Library as “a place of hope and solitude to come and read,” where visitors are invited to deepen their faith through reading, reflection and prayer.
Lisa’s Library was fueled by the donation of Nollette’s personal book collection and set the stage for additional individual book donations from parishioners. The book donations are organized by volunteers. Categories include: Christology, Prayer, the Old Testament, and Loss and Healing.
The library is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is no need to sign out a book; just take one and return it when finished.
The library is a welcoming and faith-filled sanctuary that honors Nollette’s generous and loving spirit. It was fitting that one of the first initiatives Nollette established after taking over as Adult Faith Formation director was a book club.
“She hit the ground running,” recalled D’Ascoli. “During the book club sessions, she made everyone comfortable, and regardless of what you said, it was valuable.”
Visitors to Lisa’s Library will forever be reminded of her legacy as a friend, teacher, leader, companion, communicator and healer of souls.
“Lisa had an uncanny ability to know what book you needed and would simply find it for you,” recalled D’Ascoli.