GENERAL LIBRARY INFORMATION
Are you looking for “Jews of Chicago” by Irving Cutler, the Debbie Friedman “Renewal of Spirit” CD, or a foam puzzle map of Jerusalem? Or just a really good book to read? Need something for a book report? Then stop by the Beth Tikvah library. Our library surpasses the public libraries in Judaic content.
The library is open Tuesday nights from 5-8 pm while children are in religious school. It is also open Sunday when school is in session from 9-1 pm. If you need to use the library at other times, please follow the simple instructions on the librarian's desk for self checkout of materials. Items may be checked out for 2 weeks at a time. Please take the card from the item, write your full name and the date on it, and put the card on the library desk, or in the wooden card box on the library desk. When you need to return an item, please place it in the book return box just outside the library doors. Beyond the two weeks, an overdue notice will be sent out requesting that the item be returned. You can request to extend the loan for a further two weeks. If the item is not returned, there will be a charge for the replacement value of the lost item.
The library has a Collection Development Policy, that details our library mission statement, book selection criteria, weeding/discarding criteria, the check-out and return policy. We also have a Reconsideration Request Form, if you have questions or concerns about why an item is or is not present in the collection.
The library content continues to grow through the generosity of members and friends. Honor or commemorate a special person or occasion by donating to the Library Fund a specific amount of money that will be used to buy additional Judaic materials or consult with the librarian to select specific materials to donate.
Another way to help the library, while making your child feel important, is to make a nominal donation for a leaf to the Children's Library Tree. The tree resides on the bulletin board near the rear foyer. Your child will feel proud to have a leaf in his/her honor for everyone to see.
You may also want to consider continuing the tradition begun by some Bar/Bat Mitzvah families. Instead of floral centerpieces, which last just a short time, purchase books through the library, display several books on each table as the centerpiece, and then donate them to the library after the Bar/Bat Mitzvah party.
Of course, we always welcome other donations to the library. To facilitate in your decision to donate books or other items to the library, please see the "Wish List" below of recommended items from which to choose. If you wish to donate materials to the library, you may leave the items on the library desk with a note attached, including your name and phone number.
If you have an interest in volunteering on the Library Committee, please contact Cathy Hersh Troyka (Library Chairman) at library@beth-tikvah.org. I hope to hear from you soon, and welcome your comments and suggestions. You can also contact Leslie Sauerbrei, Temple Librarian, at library@beth-tikvah.org.
Some interesting titles include:
Adult Books
- “Day After Night” and “The Red Tent” both by Anita Diamant
- “Sima's Undergarments for Women”, by Ilana Stanger-Ross
- “The New Jewish Baby Book”, also by Anita Diamant
- “The Jewish Book of Why”, by Alfred Kolatch
- “Kosher Cajun Cookbook”, by Mildred Covert and Sylvia Gerson
Teen's Books
- “Naomi's Song”, by Selma Kritzer Silverberg
- “How to Ruin My Boyfriend's Reputation”, by Simone Elkeles
- “Lost”, by Jacqueline Davies
- “Tales of a Reluctant Psychic”, by Carol Matas
Children's Books
- “Abraham’s Search for God”, by Jacqueline Jules
- “Mrs. Katz and Tush”, by Patricia Polacco
- “Sammy Spider’s First Shavuot”, by Sylvia Rouss – we have a Sammy Spider book for every occasion!
- “Young Albert Einstein”, by Laurence Santrey
- “God's Paintbrush”, by Sandy Sasso
Audio
- “Aleph Bet Boogie” by Rabbi Joe Black
- “Voice of the Spirit” by Craig Taubman
- “Tradition” by Itzhak Perlman
Video
- The Diary of Anne Frank
- Schindler's List
- Shalom Sesame
- Alefbet Parade
Miscellaneous
- Joseph's Coat puzzle
- Judaic Lace'n Trace Cards
- Israeli Flag puzzle