Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the Library have?

As of September 2003, the library has approximately 3,000 of books – including Children (E), Young Adults (YA), Fiction (F). Nonfiction (Z), and Reference (Ref) Books. We also have periodicals and newspapers. We have a small, growing audiovisual collection including audiocassettes, books on tape, videotapes, and DVD's. Selected computer software is available for library use only (during hours when staffed, or otherwise arranged with the Education Director or Library Chair).

The Library Chair, in consultation with the Library Committee and BETC staff, selects materials to include in the Library. We welcome suggestions from staff and members of the congregation.

When is the Library open?

The Library is entirely staffed by volunteers. We attempt to have coverage during the hours Hebrew School and Sunday School are in session, Monday and Wednesday 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM to 1:15 PM. During regular Temple office hours, adults may ask to have the library opened.

How to find a book/Where are books located?

Holiday Books (Juvenile/Easy Readers). Children's holiday books are shelved by holiday in the Children's Section. Most current children's holiday books are pulled off the shelves and placed in the Blue Rolling Cart.

Children's (E) and Young Adults (YA) books are located immediately to the left as one enters the library. Excluding holiday books, books are organized according to the author's last name. These items are catalogued in the card catalogue located opposite the library entrance. The Children's and Young Adult is separately catalogued from the Adult books, located in the card catalogue drawers on the left side.

Biography (Bio & YA Bio). Biographies and autobiographies for adults and young adults are located on the upper shelves, immediately to the left as one enters the library. These books are organized according to the subject (not author's, unless it's an autobiography) last name. <\p>

Nonfiction (Z). Nonfiction books for adults are located to the right, as one enters the library. Shelf labels identify some topics. These books are categorized using the Weine Classification system for Judaica Libraries. (This system is a modification of the Dewey Decimal System, adapted for Jewish subjects and themes.) Most of these items are catalogued in the card catalogue located opposite the library entrance.

Fiction (F). Adult fiction books are located to the right of the Library entrance, and are organized by author's last name. Most of these items are catalogued in the card catalogue located opposite the library entrance.

Reference (Ref). Most reference books are located above the library desks.

Audiovisual. The audiovisual collection, including audiocassettes, books on tape, CD's, VHS tapes, and DVD's is located on the wall opposite the library entrance.

Effective September 2003, newly acquired items will only be entered into the computer database system, and cards for the card catalogue will not automatically be created for them. In the future, the Library's resources will be entirely computerized and patrons can search for items by Title and/or Author and/or Subject.

Who may use the services of the library?

Beth El Temple Center members, teachers, and staff may borrow items from the library provided we have their Name, Current Mailing Address, and Current Telephone Numbers on file. Nonmembers may be allowed to borrow items subject to the approval of the Library Chair. Any person is welcome to use Library materials in the Library reading area.

CIRCULATION PROCEDURES:

Check out procedures:

1. Please clearly print your First & Last NAMES & PHONE NUMBER (including area code) on the BOOK CARD.
2. Write or Stamp in DUE DATE -- 2 weeks from the checkout date on the Card. Place the card in the designated box.
3. Note DUE DATE on the Book Due Date Pocket (in back of book) and/or the BETC Library bookmark/Due Date reminder slip placed in the book pocket.

FOR STUDENTS, In addition to the above, please Add Your school Grade in addition to the DUE DATE on the Book Due Date Pocket (in back of book) and/or the BETC Library bookmark/Due Date reminder slip. How many items may be checked out? Currently, there is no limit on the number of items that may be checked out. However, due to the small size of the collection, we request that you limit borrowings to 4 items at a time. Children should borrow no more than 2 items at a time.

When is a book/CD, video, etc. due?

All items may be borrowed for a period of two (2) weeks. Items borrowed may be renewed, if no one else has requested the item.

Where to return items?

Please return items to the designated "Book Return" area in the Library. Do not re-shelf items. If the Library is closed, seek assistance from the Temple office.

Are there overdue fees?

Currently, we do not charge fees for overdue items. Overdue notices are given (by telephone and/or mail) if an item is overdue. Any item overdue more than 90 days will be considered lost, and the borrower will be billed to replace it.

Library privileges will be suspended until the book is returned or funds to replace the book have been received.

How to help?

There are three principal ways to help the Library:

• Consider volunteering
• Donate funds to support the Library
• Share your ideas and suggestions with us.

STAFF: The Carl Kales Memorial Library is entirely staffed by volunteers. We always welcome individuals interested in helping provide library services, both those who can make regular time commitments as well as those whose schedules permit only occasional help.

DONATION GUIDELINES. The primary funding source for ongoing Library acquisitions is tax- deductible donations made to the Library Books Fund. The entire congregation benefits from the generous support we enjoy at the Carl Kales Memorial Library!!!

We also love to receive donations of books, CD's, DVD's, VHS tapes, etc. and the question often arises of what we need. All items donated should have Jewish content, i.e. themes, characters, time or place are Jewish. They also should be presented accurately, and with sensitivity to Jewish concerns. Ideally, books will be hardback and not textbooks. Preference will be given to more recently published works.

SUGGESTIONS: Please assist us to build and organize our library collection to serve your needs. Let us know if you have any recommendations for books (CD's, DVD's, etc.) to add to our collection, or other suggestions.

Check us out -- we're YOUR library!