The Helen Blau Memorial Library is a source of pride at Central Synagogue. This beautiful room, located in the Upper Rotunda, houses an outstanding collection of Jewish books, films, music and magazines. Our librarian, Paula Spector, continually updates our collection with the newest in Jewish fiction and non-fiction, reference works and books for children of all ages.
We have a flexible lending policy and will do whatever we can to facilitate your visit to our library. Books may be returned to the library or to the main office, but preferably not to the religious school office. We strive to provide you with items of interest, so please contact Paula with your suggestions.
In recent years, the Library Committee has sponsored four book talks as part of our "Central Reads" program, encouraging congregants to read the same book and come together for an enjoyable and enlightening evening. In November 2011 Paula facilitated a discussion of The Book of Names by Jill Gregory and Karen Tintori. In December 2010 we reviewed The Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska, My Father's Paradise -- A Son's Search for His Father's Past by Ariel Sabar in December 2009 and in November 2008 the choice was The People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. We have highlighted our growing DVD collection by also sponsoring annual movie nights. In May 2011, the feature presentation was the coming-of-age documentary Off and Running and in May 2010 the Coen brothers' A Serious Man.Both movies were followed by a lively discussion led by Library Committee members Marcia Gold and Ronna Weiss, respectively. More such events are planned for the future.
Our Library Committee - Laura Atlas, Evelyn Bishop, Dot Feit, Edith Friedman, Suzy Gelman, Marcia Gold, Cathy Kent, Barbara Prins and Ronna Weiss - works together with Paula on the library’s upkeep and welcomes new members. Read about how our library came to be.
Donations to the Library Fund are appreciated and will be mentioned in the temple bulletin. If you wish to commemorate a special occasion, a bookplate can be appropriately inscribed.
