Library

                                                                                                                                       Pictured Above: Samantha Rooney TBI Librarian, Bob Epstein and Fern Cohen TBI Library Co-Chairs

Click here to access the library online collection

Our recently renovated TBI Library houses a rich collection of classic and contemporary books that help to broaden the experience of our Jewish heritage. From thoughtful handbooks regarding Jewish practices and culture; fascinating histories detailing events such as the Holocaust; and inspirational narratives about Jewish life (both fiction and non-fiction), there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Over the years, the library has invited many authors to discuss their new books on Jewish themes with congregants. Some of our most recent "Book Talk" programs have included:

• Biography - Abraham Joshua Heschel: A Life of Radical Amazement with author Julian E. Zelizer, Professor at Princeton University
• Fiction - The Last of the Seven: A Novel of World War II with author Steven Hartov 
• History - Lovers in Auschwitz with author Keren Blankfeld
• Local History - The New York Game: Baseball and the Rise of a New City with author Kevin Baker
• Memoir - Shanda: A Memoir of Shame and Secrecy with author Letty Cottin Pogrebin
• Social Sciences - Real Friends Talk About Race: Bridging the Gaps Through Uncomfortable Conversations with author Yseult P. Mukantabana 

Pictured Above: Our "Book Talk" with Brad Kolodny, author of The Jews of Long Island and Seeking Sanctuary: 125 Years of Synagogues on Long Island.

Other in-person and virtual events hosted by the library have comprised of book clubs, film screenings, and presentations regarding Jewish history and life.

One of our most moving programs is our annual commemorative Kristallnacht Program, which features the stories of Holocaust survivors in our community. Some of our previous speakers were Leon Gersten, Manny Korman, Lola Mozes, Werner Reich, and Bernd Wollschlaeger (son of a Nazi Officer). 

A sampling of Recent Acquisitions available to borrow and Enjoy:

For adults...

An essential exploration of a rich literary tradition from the Bible to modern times, by a “rare literary authority” (New York Times Book Review) and “one of our keenest critics” (Washington Post).

Jews have long embraced their identity as “the people of the book.” But outside of the Bible, much of the Jewish literary tradition remains little known to nonspecialist readers. The People and the Books shows how central questions and themes of our history and culture are reflected in the Jewish literary canon: the nature of God, the right way to understand the Bible, the relationship of the Jews to their Promised Land, and the challenges of living as a minority in Diaspora.

For Kids...

Get to know celebrated Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—in the first picture book about her life—as she proves that disagreeing does not make you disagreeable!

Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements

Library Procedure

Our library exists for you, our members, to find books of Jewish interest that you would like to read. All you need to do after you choose a book is to open it, take out the card in the pocket at the front of the book, and sign your name and the date. Please note that reference books may be browsed in the library but cannot be taken out.

We would like to welcome our congregants to enjoy our new Book Annex as well. Samantha, along with Julie and Amanda at the Temple office, has devised an ingenious way to "sign" your name on Shabbat. Just match the sticker color on the wall display with the sticker of the book on the library annex table and put that sticker next to your name on the member list.

We can accept a limited number of donations of current books that are not already in our collection and are deemed to be of interest to our TBI community.

Library Committee

Our Library committee maintains and enhances a collection of Jewish related books, presents programs with Jewish literary content, and works with the Preschool and Religious School to incorporate the library into the education curriculum. 

Our library depends on donations to support book acquisition, library supplies, a part-time librarian, speakers, and membership in the JCC Book Council. Please support us.

Donate 

Meet Our Librarian

Samantha is a current graduate student at Queens College in the MLS/MA dual degree program in Library Science and History. She will be in the library every Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Samantha is also available via email at library@tbiport.org.

Want to Learn More...Get Involved...Share Ideas? Reach out to Library Co-Chairs:

Fern Cohen via fcohen8@gmail.com

Robert Epstein via robert.e.epstein@gmail.com