Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education

Educational Resources

Bibliographies

THE SYNAGOGUE LIBRARY

Nancy M. Messinger

Director of Educational Resources,

Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education

Overview:

The synagogue library has the potential to be a vibrant part of synagogue life. Ideally it is a place for congregants to gather, find out what is new in Jewish resource materials, as well as to find resources in classical Jewish sources. The library may also be a place where new Jewish software is demonstrated and where videos, music C.D.'s and cassettes, and books borrowed. It can also be a place to memorialize and honor loved ones. Sections of the library, as well as specific materials, can be dedicated "in honor of" or "in memory of" congregants and their loved ones. A synagogue can start its library with a small collection and then build upon it each year. Whether your congregation's holdings are small or large, the key to a successful library is insuring that what is there is clearly labeled, organized in an orderly manner, attractively displayed and kept updated with new items.

Building a synagogue library is a process - one that parallels the life of the synagogue. The responsibility for a thriving synagogue library is best placed in the hands of an active committed Library Committee. Library leadership (either volunteer or salaried) works in cooperation with synagogue professionals and lay leadership. The Library Committee needs a clear mandate from the Board of Directors and a will defined process for reporting and securing funds for library acquisitions. Additionally, generating interest and commitment to the synagogue library is, in part, the domain of the committee. It is an essential part of the process of building the library.

These Goals Guide the Synagogue Library:

1. Promotion of lifelong Jewish learning throughout the congregation membership.
2. Reinforcement of all synagogue educational programs, especially the Religious School.

Benefits of a Synagogue Library:

1. symbolizes the synagogue's commitment to Jewish learning
2. reinforces the synagogue's place as a center of Jewish life and learning for its members
3. provides access to Jewish resources (Jewish books, periodicals, videos, music CD ROMs and cassettes, computer software), to the extent to which the synagogue is able
4. increases membership use of the synagogue building
5. provides opportunities for "in honor of" and memorial donations, both great and small

Advocating for a Synagogue Library:

1. Advocating for a synagogue library may be necessary, especially if designated funds or endowments are not available.
2. A library-in-formation committee could be formed in order to plan for the establishment of a library.
3. Other successful synagogue libraries in the area might be contacted.
4. The Association of Jewish Libraries should be contacted for assistance.

Procedures for Establishing a Synagogue Library:

I. Establishing the role of the Synagogue Library Committee

The library committee can be an independent synagogue committee or a subcommittee of the education committee of the synagogue. The library committee should be composed of representatives from the school community and the adult education committee, and should encourage input from the rabbi and other synagogue professionals as well. Its tasks include:

A. Setting library policy: hours of operation, types of materials, (books, video tapes, audio tapes, CD ROMs), etc.

B. Recommending and overseeing the library budget

C. Overseeing fundraising activities

D. Recruiting volunteers to work in the library

E. Promoting the library in congregational education committees and at Board meetings

F. Reviewing library collection development policy (library's prioritization of acquisitions)

II. Fundraising

The initial set up of the library is costly (furniture, shelving, computer, etc.), but once it is set up most of the costs are limited to new acquisitions. Libraries offer a concrete, visual expression of Judaism's love of learning, and the synagogue's role in the educational growth of its membership. Frequently, funds must be raised to initiate or enhance the current facility. Some fundraising tasks are:

A. Development of a list of what sections of the library can be honored and memorialized, e.g., special shelves, video collection, etc.

B. Design of special book plates for acknowledging donors

C. Annual book events with local authors, and book fairs

III. Staffing your Synagogue Library

The library staff may be a paid professional or a qualified volunteer. Its main function is to keep the library contents well organized. A system for tracking, cataloguing, labeling, and accounting for circulation of materials is a necessary and time-consuming job. Volunteers and professionals from the congregation, as well as teen aides, can be enlisted to help. The professional librarian can be considered part of the synagogue educational staff and a librarian's salary would need to be budgeted in order to maintain a well-functioning library. Staff positions include:

A. Librarian (Professional preferred)

B. Adult volunteers

C. Teen aides

IV. Role of Librarian

Whether professional or lay leader, the librarian is the CEO of the library. The librarian is responsible for organization, acquisitions, and cataloguing of materials. The librarian should work closely with both the rabbi and educational director to prioritize their requests for new acquisitions. Often, the position is part-time. Duties of the librarian:

A. Purchase and selection of acquisitions

B. Set-up of cataloguing and circulation systems

C. Supervision of volunteer staff

4. Development of programs

V. Planning the physical set-up

"Location, location, location." Room selection for the library in the synagogue is critical to insuring its use. Moreover, good lighting, rugs, sturdy furniture, accessibility to the main lobby and to the school are essential to its success. Items to be considered are:

A. Furniture

1. Display cases
2. Periodical display stands
3. Video display racks
4. Children's furniture (rugs, chairs, etc.)
5. Computer and table
6. Library software: Computer cataloguing, circulation, and acquisitions systems
7. Shelving for books, CD ROMs, cassettes and videos

VI. Marketing the Synagogue Library with a Focus on Benefits

The role of the library in the educational life of the synagogue needs to be understood and promoted in order to insure both its use and funding. The hours of operation, new acquisitions, and programming need to be publicized. Some facets of library promotion are:

A. Development of programs with the Religious School

1. 1. Classes come to library for story-time
2. 2. Librarians/parents go to classes to read to students
3. 3. Classes come to the library to work on assignments
4. 4. Teachers, educational director have input into new acquisitions as per curriculum needs of the school

B. Development of Adult Ed Programs - work with Synagogue Rabbi

1. 1. Book review clubs
2. 2. Adult Ed classes
3. 3. Jewish Book Month programs

C. Publicity

1. 1. Creation and maintenance of attractive bulletin board displays
2. 2. Creation of attractive atmosphere/environment in the library - good signage needed
3. 3. Column in synagogue bulletin describing new acquisitions

Reestablishing a Synagogue Library:

In order to revitalize an existing library, in addition to the above, greater attention needs to be given to lobbying the Board about the important role a library can play in the life of a synagogue, as well as the benefits to membership. Also, the approach to marketing will need to be adjusted to the new aspects and new acquisitions of the library, e.g., computers, videos, music CDs, cassettes and software, which will bring it up to date.

Questions

1. Does your synagogue have a library?

2. Does your library have a volunteer librarian?

3. Does your library have a professional librarian?

4. Do you have volunteer workers for your library?

5. Is there a library program in the religious school?

6. Does your synagogue have a library advisory committee?

7. Does the synagogue have a budget line for the library?

8. Does the synagogue bulletin have a library column?

9. Does the library occupy a vibrant part of synagogue life?

10. Does your library use the bibliographies and participate in the Read-In Contest provided by ACAJE?

11. Does your synagogue library have a specific donor name?