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 LIBRARY NEWS - March 2008

I would like to welcome Leslie Sauerbrei, who is now the new librarian at the Beth Tikvah Library.  She is a congregation member and comes to us highly qualified, with an assortment of degrees, including a Degree in Library Science.  The library is open during religious school hours, with the librarian on duty Tuesdays from 4:45 PM - 6:30 PM, and Sundays 9:00 AM - 11:15 AM.  Please stop by to welcome Leslie and say "hello".

The library also has a new "Collection Development Policy" which, simply stated, specifies in writing the rules and policies of the library.  The document, in its entirety,  can be viewed on the Beth Tikvah website.  Some highlights of the policies include:  our library mission statement,  book selection criteria, weeding/ discarding criteria, the check-out and return policy and process for reconsideration of library materials.   (See request form to start reconsideration process.)

Along with the mountains of snow we have been receiving this winter, there has been a "blizzard" of overdue book notices that have been sent out.  Leslie has been busy catching up, and diligently trying to recoup the many books that have been "lost in action". If you have received an overdue notice for a book that has been out for over one year, we are kindly requesting that you put forth a good effort to search for the book and respond back to Leslie with your results.  For clarification, the new overdue book policy includes a checkout period of two weeks.  Beyond the two weeks, an overdue notice will be sent out requesting that the item be returned  within a further two weeks.  If the item is not returned, there will be a charge for the replacement value of the lost item.  We thank you for your patience while we transition to the implementation of the new library policies.

Of course, we always welcome donations to the library.  To facilitate in your decision to donate books or other items to the library, we will be posting a "Wish List" of recommended items from which to choose.  If you wish to donate materials to the library, you may leave the items in the library with a note attached, including your name and phone number.

We hope you stop by the library soon to "check out" our wonderful selection of books and CD's.  If you happen to be visiting when no librarian is on duty, you will find the self check-out directions on the librarian's desk, by the little black box.

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.
 

GENERAL LIBRARY INFORMATION

The library is open Tuesday night from 4:30 ‚ 6:30 pm while children are in religious school. It is also open Sunday when school is in session from 9:30 am ‚ 1:00 pm. If you need to use the library on weekdays, ask Lucy in the office to unlock the door. Follow the simple instructions on the librarian's desk for self checkout of materials.

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, then donate them to the library after the Bar/Bat Mitzvah party.

Are you looking for Jews of Chicago by Irving Cutler, the Debbie Friedman Renewal of Spirit CD, or a foam puzzle map of Jerusalem? Then stop by the Beth Tikvah library. Our library surpasses the public libraries in Judaic content.

Other items that may be of interest are:

Adult Books

• The Red Tent
  
• Chutzpah
  
• The New Jewish Baby Book
  
• The Jewish Book of Why
  
• Kosher Cajun Cookbook

• Where Does God Live
  
• Mrs. Katz and Tush
  
• The Great Jewish Quiz Book
  
• The Story of Jonah
  
• God's Paintbrush

• Aleph Bet Boogie by Rabbi Joe Black
  
• Voice of the Spirit by Craig Taubman
  
• Tradition by Itzhak Perlman

• The Diary of Anne Frank
  
• Schindler's List
  
• Shalom Sesame
  
• Alefbet Parade

• Joseph's Coat puzzle
  
• Judaic Lace'n Trace Cards
  
• Israeli Flag puzzle

Click here for Library Fund Gift Form

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