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Bennett Zion Feld Library

The library at Ohev Shalom was created with the purchase of the congregation’s original building in Richboro.  It originally consisted of just a donated bookcase, a few box loads of donated books, and the efforts of three dedicated volunteers, Bernice Berkowitz, Soni Feld, and Judy Friedman – none of whom were professional librarians.  Soni had taken a course for volunteer librarians at Gratz College and had the previous experience of setting up libraries at two other synagogues. Books that had Jewish content and/or authors were included in the library.

As the congregation’s membership and facility grew, so did the library. In 1983, the year that the portion of the building which includes the administrative offices and sanctuary was dedicated, the son of Soni and Marvin Feld died in an auto accident.  The library was named the Bennett Zion Feld Memorial Library.

Included in the Library collection are books for children,including Bible stories, Holiday stories, Ethics, Traditions, Israel, and more. For adults, we have fiction and non-fiction on almost every subject related to Judaism. There is a separate section for Holocaust related books and books useful for D’var preparation. The books are arranged according to the Weine System for Judaic Libraries (a copy of the call numbers can be found above the phone.)

Library Hours

  • The Library is open for your use except on Shabat and other holidays. Call Soni Feld if you need assistance or appointment. During Religious School hours, the Library is often scheduled for classes.
  • It may also be opened by prearranged appointment.
  • Books may be borrowed for three weeks, AV material for two weeks.
  • Late fines are not collected, but a replacement charge is billed for lost materials.

Circulation

  • Borrowing books is on the honor system.
  • Please write your name and phone number on the card found in the back of the book and leave it on the desk.
  • Please return the book within three weeks. Late fines are not collected.

Library Donations

  • Fiction and Non-fiction books should have a copyright date within the last five years.
  • Books must be in excellent condition.
  • What cannot be accepted:
    • Coffee table books
    • DVDs and CDs
    • Books in any foreign language (including Hebrew and Yiddish)
    • Duplicates of existing books (please call or email Soni Feld prior to leaving books)
  • No more than 3 books may be donated at a time.

Ohev Shalom is proud of its library and invites all of our congregants to come in and utilize this wonderful resource, which is funded exclusively by donations.