It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of SFAJL founder and member Margot S. Berman on November 23, 2008 at age 79. She was the beloved and loving mother of Melissa Berman and Carrie Berman and wife of the late Irwin Berman. Margot Berman was born in Germany, coming to New York City at age 8. Despite a lifelong battle with Gaucher’s Disease, she lived a life of courage, ideas and grace. Margot Berman established the Temple Beth Am Library in Miami in 1965 and it soon became one of the standard bearers of the SSC division (School, Synagogue, Community Center) of the Association of Jewish Libraries. She was also instrumental in the formation of that international organization (AJL). Margot went on to write How To Organize A Jewish Library: A Source Book And Guide For Synagogue, School, And Center Libraries, the primary book on the subject and very much in use today (still in print!) by librarians across the country. Margot served as president of both the national organization and the local chapter. Through her story hours and book programs, she inspired countless children to become lifelong readers and served as mentor to synagogue librarians across the country. The funeral service will be held on November 30, 2008 at 10:30 am at Lakeview Cemetery in Ithaca, NY. Donations in her memory may be made to the Association of Jewish Libraries, which is establishing an award in her honor. In addition to her devoted family, Margot leaves behind many friends who also deeply adored her.
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