An Introduction:
On the rack to your right as you enter, you will see periodicals relating to Jewish life, Middle East politics, religion, and special topics. These items are not to be checked out, but I can allow them to be borrowed for a short time; just ask or leave me a note with your name. To your left as you pass the librarian’s desk are Reference materials: single and multi-volume sets of religious writings and commentaries, adult and junior encyclopedias, almanacs and Hebrew-English dictionaries. We're sorry , but Reference materials are not to leave the premises unless I’m provided with a name and contact number – these are expensive books to replace.
Our holdings are divided into three general areas: Children’s, Young Adult, and Adult books.
Children’s books...
... are Fiction or Non-fiction, and are generally about families, friends, nature, children from other nations and cultures, and the Jewish holidays. Throughout the year I prominently feature new and holiday-appropriate books, and I indicate titles of interest in the Kol Kore.
Young Adult books...
...are also divided into Fiction and Non-fiction, but they also include biographies, short story collections, and a large number of books with a Holocaust theme, indicated by a bright blue “H” sticker on the book’s spine. Though intended for Young Adults, many of these books are quite intense; I advise parental guidance for readers age thirteen and under – you know your child best. We have a good selection of books on Anne Frank – not just the Diary – as well as books on Jewish sports figures, history, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and tzedakah project ideas. I order new books regularly to keep the collection fresh and up-to-date.
Our Adult book section....
...includes a wide range of topics, and many are accessible and appropriate for Young Adults. Beyond fiction, biographies and short stories, non-fiction covers a lot of ground: many aspects of religion and religious study, ecology and the environment, music, humor, food, parenting, prayer, poetry, art, and Jewish rituals and traditions. Our Outreach collection includes books on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and transgender issues. We have adult Holocaust books and strong coverage of contemporary history and politics of and about the Middle East.
I work hard to keep our collection up-to-date with relevant, quality bestsellers and books of interest – your input is absolutely appreciated!
Since my own professional background is in film, I am working to improve our video/DVD holdings. We have a good-sized collection and I am slowly adding Israeli, American, and important Yiddish films. Videos and DVDs can be checked out just like library books, and I hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity and do some exploring…
Mostly, the library should reflect YOUR interests. Please let me know of books you’ve heard about, or books you’ve read that we should have, and then follow up by checking them out. IT’S YOUR LIBRARY – I encourage you and your children to take advantage of it!
Shalom.
Amy Turim, librarian
301-942-2000 ext.27
Temple Emanuel email: library@templeemanuelmd.org
Home email: Lhershman@starpower.net
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We are a member of The Union for Reform Judaism (formely the Union of American Hebrew Congregations)
ADA Compliant - The facilities of Temple Emanuel are fully accessible in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act