Our congregation in South Portland, Maine is in the process of discussing the building of a new building. We are currently housed in an old public school building, which is really far too small for our synagogue's needs. One of the questions which we discussed at a recently Building Committee meeting was how to set up the library in our new building. Because of our current situation, we currently have separate children's and adult library rooms, one on each floor of the building, and primarily dictated by the limited space we currently have. Neither of them has room for any reading tables, a media equipment area or other amenities that are found in libraries today. In the course of the discussion we wondered whether in our new facility we ought to continue this set up - with two separate rooms as we currently have, or whether we ought to have one large library room, with part of it dedicated to a children's reading area, part dedicated to an adult reading area and part dedicated to a media center and other ancillary services. In addition, we are considering using the library as a Bet HaMidrash on Sunday mornings when so many parents are in the building, as we would like to have adult education sessions going on at the same time as our Religious School meets. I am turning to you for some insight into this matter so that we may know what seems to be the most current thinking among Jewish library professionals on this subject and why that is. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Sincerely, William J. Leffler, II 6 Proctor Ave. Kennebunkport, ME 04046 207-967-0738 <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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