Mine is a synagogue library in a Conservative shul. When I first started out, I
was worried about security and had the library door closed on shabbat and other
holidays. Because it was closed, parents who brought their kids were desperate
for something quiet to occupy them and so an enterprising congregant set up a
book cart with donated extras for kids to read. But to me this felt like a
missed opportunity for the library and adults were begging for the library to
be open anyway.
Eventually I threw caution to the wind and also figured out a way for items to
be checked out on shabbat without writing and computers and so opened the
doors. Now (or at least before the pandemic), parents either hang out with
their kids in the library, or bring the library books to the sanctuary. They
see all we have to offer and usage improved.
In my opinion, the last thing you want is something competing with your space.
It's hard enough getting people to support a library. I wouldn't give anyone
the opportunity to say, "why do we need something professionally run when this
works well enough".
Rachel HausLibrary DirectorCongregation of Moses Fisher LibraryKalamazoo MI
On Tuesday, January 4, 2022, 01:59:23 PM EST, Lee Jaffe via Hasafran
<[email protected]> wrote:
Has anyone experience with a “tiny library” associated with their library or
host institution? I’d be interested in hearing how it was implemented and
whether it enhanced or detracted from your library service, and how.
Our new synagogue director has proposed installing a tiny library box near the
building entrance. At first I was positive, seeing it as a venue for
off-loading unwanted donated books. Plus, I didn’t want to say no in my first
interaction with the new director.
But the other volunteers raised a lot of concerns about how it would be
managed, that it fall on us to review what was put in there, adding to our work
and potential headaches.
As I considered the proposal further, I asked myself what was the point,
whether this was the appropriate venue? Why would you place a tiny library
100 feet from a real lending library? The tiny library movement was a
neighborhood initiative, informal sharing, a literary free box. In that
regard, it doesn’t make (as much sense) outside a real lending library.
Or does it? I want to be open-minded and not rain on the director’s proposal
out of hand. If there are good reasons to support this initiative, ones that
augment or complement the library program , or at least not detract from it,
I’d like to hear about it. Alternative programs are also of interest.
I appreciate hearing about your experience.
Lee Jaffe
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