Temple Library We are the "people of the book."

Shir Tikvah Library Group

The Shir Tikvah Library group is responsible for developing a library that meets our members’ needs and interests. With windows overlooking the pond, the library is a delightful place to enjoy the pleasures of book browsing.

See Recommended Jewish Books with reviews and study guides.

Recommended Reading

And Prairie Dogs Weren't Kosher: Jewish Women in the Upper Midwest Since 1855, by Linda Mack Schloff

Reviewer: Amy Travis

(Find it in the library at call #973 SCH) As soon as I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to read it.  I have often marveled at the sheer bravery of people who travelled and settled the west, but I honestly never thought about the fact that some of them were Jews!

The title refers to an excerpt from a comment in an oral history ("[My parents] got tired of eating potatoes, and prairie dogs weren't kosher"), taken from research that is the grounding for this book. Each chapter looks at an angle of the life of Eastern European immigrants who settled in the upper midwest: where they came from, how they travelled, what they encountered, and how they adapted.  At the end of each chapter was my favorite part — letters and oral histories taken from these settlers and their children, giving you a very clear feel for the situations they encountered and how they coped.

This is a fascinating book, which definitely opened my eyes to a completely different aspect of American Jewish history.

Have you read a book from the Temple's library that you would like to recommend to the community? Please contact library@shir-tikvah.org if you are interested in writing a review.

Checking Out Books

We have a great collection of Jewish-themed books, with adult books ranging from fiction, spirituality, family and parenting topics, holidays, Jewish history, Israel, rituals, music, cookbooks, and biographies. We have a great children’s book collection, as well as books for Young Adult readers.

To check out a book, simply sign it out in the notebook at the front of the library. Books can be checked out for up to 4 weeks.

Donating Books to the Library

If you’re interested in donating, you can give to the Temple’s Library Fund, or check out our Wish List at Amazon.com. When donating, please let us know who you are, so that we can recognize your generosity.

Contacting Us

Interested in volunteering in the library? Know of a book that you wish we had? Contact library@shir-tikvah.org