Meeting Minutes: March 1, 2017

Meeting Minutes: March 1, 2017, B'nai Torah Congregation, Boca Raton, FL

Present: Rita Cimbal, Robin Coller, Bea Gold, Etta Gold, Sue Kirshner, Jeff Marks, Heidi Rabinowitz, Matt Ransom, Daniel Scheide, Ruth Weiner, Barb Weiss

Heidi began the meeting by showing the three gold medalists for the 2017 Sydney Taylor Book Awards: I Dissent, The Inquisitor's Tale, and Anna and the Swallow Man. She also passed out lists of all winners, honor books, and notables. Other AJL business announced: an opening on the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee, AJL's new Jewish Fiction Award, and the How Is This Book Different event. This event is co-sponsored by AJL, the Jewish Book Council, and Call Me Ishmael. Readers are invited to call 774-325-0503 between March 27-April 4, 2017 to leave a message about a Jewish book that made a difference to their life.

Etta talked about why the AJL annual conference is valuable, and passed out information about the program, registration, etc. She also reported on programs at Temple Beth Am, and shared the story of how she rescued a program with a no-show speaker by using a video of that author's lecture at the Library of Congress.

Sue talked about the difficulties of lending books to non-members (Canadian snowbirds) whose names they do not have on record. The group suggested collecting names of potential borrowers throughout the week in at other temple activities, so that these borrowers will not need to write their names on Shabbat.

Ruth gave a short presentation about the biblical women who saved Moses.

Meeting Minutes: February 23, 2016

Meeting Minutes, SFAJL February 23, 2016, The Jewish Museum, Miami, FL

Present: Robin Coller, Heidi Estrin, Linda Glick, Sandy Glick, Etta Gold, Joyce Levine, Phil Levine, Matt Ransom, Jeff Rosenberg, Daniel Scheide, Ruth Weiner, Barbara Weiss, Danielle Winter, Lauren Wohl, Helene Yentis

We gathered at Pita Loca for a delicious kosher lunch, then walked to the Jewish Museum of Florida, where a docent told us about the exhibit Discovery and Recovery: Preserving Iraqi Jewish Heritage.

We also had the opportunity to view an exhibit by artist Mark Podwal, All This Has Come Upon Us, illustrations of various attacks on the Jews throughout history.

While wandering the museum, we caught up with eachother's news and planned additional AJL projects.

Minutes: SFAJL Meeting, March 9, 2015

Meeting Minutes, SFAJL March 9, 2015, Temple Beth Am, Miami, FL

Present: Robin Coller, Heidi Estrin, Etta Gold, Steve Hersh, Steve Liebowitz, Matt Ransom, Jeff Rosenberg, Daniel Scheide, Barbara Weiss, Danielle Winter

Meeting called to order after a delicious lunch provided by Temple Beth Am. Since we had a small group, we spent some time doing in depth introductions of ourselves, getting to really know each other.

Etta Gold spoke about the value of attending the national AJL conference, and showed some "historical" program books from past conferences. We discussed various other resources including AJL's revamped website, and FAU's Judaica Sound Archives, which have expanded to become the Recorded Sound Archives (non-Jewish material is now accepted).

Danielle Winter reprised the presentation she had given previously at Temple Beth Am's Sunday Salon, a talk about children's books in Yiddish based on her research at the National Yiddish Book Center.

Local author Steve Liebowitz talked about his historical novel Devorah: The Covenant and the Scrolls, Book 1.

The meeting was adjourned.

Minutes: SFAJL Meeting, October 29, 2013

Meeting Minutes, SFAJL October 29, 2013, B'nai Torah Congregation, Boca Raton, FL

Present: Irwin Chalfin, Rita Cimbal, Kathleen Clotfelter, Rhea Cohen, Robin Coller, Heidi Estrin, Bea Gold, Etta Gold, Phyllis Gutmann, Sue Kirshner, June Knopf, Gloria Levin, Jeff Marks, Lillian Nadler, Evelyn Reich, Arlene Robert, Jeff Rosenberg, Rabbi Tobias Rothenberg, Sheila Trossman, Helene Wartel, Ruth Weiner, Barbara Weiss, Helene Yentis.

Meeting called to order after a lovely lunch provided by B'nai Torah. Mrs. Nathan (founder of the Nathan Library) joined us for lunch, and we were greeted by the Rabbi.

Many members brought books to give away, so we started the meeting with a sort of "swap meet."

Sue Kirshner welcomed us to B'nai Torah. We discussed the fact that our chapter does not collect dues at this time, but that the umbrella group of AJL does require dues ($70 individual).

Sue led a discussion of book sale techniques. We heard recommendations not to hold them too often, and to alphabetize the books or group them by genre to make it easier for shoppers.

Sue talked about the upcoming visit of author Judy Petsonk (Queen of the Jews) to South Florida. She will speak in various locales, including Temple Beth Am (Etta's library) on November 10 and Congregation B'nai Israel (Heidi's library) on November 12.

Sue reports that Lorelei Ennis is offering to host a meeting at Temple Dor Dorim in Weston in January. Attendees were enthusiastic about this.

Our speaker at today's meeting was Helene Yentis, an expert of Hebrew illuminated manuscripts. She gave a dynamic presentation, with a slideshow. Helene, Etta Gold, and Jeff Rosenberg shared art history books and facsimiles they'd brought along.

After Helene's talk, Heidi covered AJL business: the upcoming general membership vote, the monthly Jewish Book Carnival, and the annual conference (next year in Las Vegas!). Etta spoke about upcoming programs at Temple Beth Am in Miami.

Helene had brought along a film crew to record her presentation. After her talk, some attendees spoke on camera about Helene and her interesting session.

The meeting was adjourned.

Photo Roundup from May 2013 SFAJL Meeting

May, 2013 meeting at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary Library in Boynton Beach, FL, hosted by Art Quinn.

Meeting Minutes: September 2011

We had a lovely meeting on September 6, 2011, hosted by Lorelei Ennis at Temple Dor Dorim in Weston. After a welcome from Rabbi Lipson, we ate a delicious lunch while listening to a presentation by Jacques Weisel (a relative of Elie Weisel), who is an author, humanitarian, and life coach. He spoke about his childhood during the Holocaust and the many remarkable circumstances that allowed him to survive.

After lunch, we browsed a display of Sydney Taylor Book Award winners, honors, and notable books set up by Lorelei. Etta Gold and Heidi Estrin reported on the AJL Convention held this June in Montreal, Canada. Etta spoke feelingly about the value of the annual gathering. Heidi reminded members that chapter membership is separate from membership in the umbrella organization, and explained that AJL dues have gone up for the first time in years, but are still well worth the price. The next convention will be held in Los Angeles, CA, June 17-20, 2012.

Lorelei led a discussion on realism vs. escapism in young adult literature. She became interested in the topic when she read an article in the Wall Street Journal, "Darkness Too Visible" by Meghan Cox Gurdon, published June 4 with a follow-up on June 28, 2011. The article created a furor in the children's literature community when Gurdon suggested that gritty realistic YA fiction was harmful to readers.

We discussed the possibility of meeting at Dor Dorim again later this fall, but perhaps asking attendees to bring brown bag lunches rather than rely on Dor Dorim to supply lunch. Thanks to all for an excellent meeting.

December 2010 Chapter Meeting

Meeting held December 7, 2010 at B'nai Torah Congregation, Boca Raton.

Present: Rita Cimbal, Lorelei Ennis, Heidi Estrin, Jerry Glantz, Bea Gold, Judith Jagoda, Sue Kirshner, Meta Lee, Debbie Ring, Arlene Ritholtz, Rabbi Tobias Rothenberg, Walter Spielman, Sheila Trossman, Ruth Weiner, Lee Wixman

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 pm by our host, Sue Kirshner, after a very lovely lunch provided by B'nai Torah. Sue introduced us to the history of her library.

Library Snapshot Day:

Sue, Heidi, and Lorelei participated in AJL's Library Snapshot Day, and they discussed how the program went at their libraries. Heidi gave some background on the program and handed out copies of the press release (which can also be found on the chapter's website at sfajl.org). Heidi encouraged everyone, whether they participated or not, to use the results to promote Jewish libraries to "the powers that be."

Publicity:

Sue asked the members to discuss their publicity efforts. Her own example was how she used the library's 10th annivarsary for promotion. The library committee got an aliyah during services, they got an article in the temple bulletin, and they got a commemorative plaque which they hung, not in the library, but in the hallway where more people would see it. She also noted that many classes use the library as meeting space.

Walter said that at Anshei Shalom, they named their library after a major donor and did a special presentation in that person's honor at services. They also sit in on meetings of Sisterhood, Men's Club, and other committees in order to talk about the library.

Lorelei said that at Dor Dorim they display books on upcoming holidays or curriculum themes, to help the teachers find books to check out. They also write book reviews for the temple bulletin.

Rita said that at B'nai Torah they've established a Frequent Readers program for adults, and they give certificates to top readers. This friendly competition inspires lots of reading. They also promote the library to new members.

Jerry Glantz reported that he is at the final stage of writing his novel, a thriller about a terrorist who learns that he's not Muslim after all. He will be happy to do presentations at AJL libraries once it's done.

Book sales:

Sue asked if/how various libraries hold book sales. Walter said that his library has a table at the temple's holiday bazaar. Sue has a used book sale table during the school's book fair. They both agreed that holding a book sale during some other large temple event brings more traffic and more shoppers. Heidi discussed the idea of setting up a low-key ongoing used book sale in a corner of the library or in some higher-traffic area like a lobby or office.

AJL Business:

Heidi talked about the advantages of membership in the larger organization of AJL, which is separate from membership in our chapter.

Jerry asked how to pay his local membership dues. Dues should be mailed to Treasurer Kathleen Clotfelter. Email her at kass37clo @ bellsouth.net to ask for her address.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:00pm.

September 2010 Chapter Meeting

MINUTES:

We are all very grateful to Lorelei Ennis and her team for hosting today's meeting at Temple Dor Dorim in Weston on September 21, 2010.

Rabbi Lipson greeted us warmly, and we enjoyed a very lovely lunch. Lorelei introduced our guest speaker, author Ellen Brazer, who spoke of her novel Clouds Across the Sun, an engaging story of a Nazi attempt to infiltrate societies throughout the world.

We then moved the meeting to the Library, where we addressed a host of issues. A display of the 2010 Sydney Taylor Award books were set for our perusal and Heidi Estrin gave a full report of the 2010 AJL National Convention in Seattle, which was extremely instructive, enjoyable, and worthwhile. It is hoped that a greater number of South Floridians will participate in the 2011 convention in Montreal.

We discussed the pros and cons of bring ebooks into the library, and our respective views on e-readers. While no absolute conclusions were reached, we all accept that they are here to stay.

In response to much discussion on-line addressing the dwindling membership of our national organization, Heidi asked "Why are you a member of national AJL? What do you feel is the reason for joining or, if you are not a member of national, why not?"

Attendees said "I am a member because:"
* The Newsletter is wonderful, helpful, connective, etc.
* I am supporting a good cause, an important cause/activity - Judaica librarianship
* It is a marvelous tool for networking
* Should I happen to be traveling to someplace unfamiliar, I can locate a synagogue/Jewish library via my membership directory

The reasons not to join National are:
* Lack of institutional support (workplace won't help pay dues)
* Retired from actively working in the field, still connected locally only
* Fee is too high - should have a retiree's special price

"What can we do to encourage membership?"

Suggestions to boost membership:
* Membership should get reduced prices on certain items (from publishers, gift shops, etc.)
* National AJL should offer Book Club guides as a benefit of membership
* National AJL should offer extension activities for children's books as a benefit of membership
* National AJL should offer technology education to members

Finally, several more announcements: AJL is now affiliated with ALA. Our organization will be participating along with ALA in Library Snapshot Day - November 1 - 7, 2010.

Dues will now be $18, payable to SFAJL, with checks going to Heidi Estrin. Past members should watch their email for an announcement about how to pay dues.

Look for an email announcement regarding the next meeting.
Our meeting was adjourned at 2:30 pm.

April 2010 Chapter Meeting: Minutes

The South Florida chapter held its April meeting at Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest, where Etta Gold enjoyed showing off her newly remodeled library. This was the first opportunity for the chapter to tour the facility since its re-dedication last September. It was quite enjoyable to meet, lunch, and schmooze in the Adult Reading Room during school hours while the children’s section was able to function uninterrupted – now that the areas are separated and each so greatly improved.

We also enjoyed meeting our newest members, librarians Myrtle Joseph and Jaime Fogel from the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center of Hollywood. Founded in 1980, the Center has achieved international acclaim and recognition for maintaining the largest, self-produced, standardized oral history library collection. It also features a reference and research library which contains over 6,000 volumes of Holocaust-related books, hundreds of DVDs and videos, and subscribes to a dozen periodicals. They present a “Meet the Author Series” every month with different authors of Holocaust-related books, visual arts and writing contests, and museum/artifact tours. Jaime and Myrtle are brand new to our area and this remarkable institution. We look forward to their increased involvement with our chapter and AJL.

Our next meeting will be held in September, 2010 (date TBA) at Temple Dor Dorim in Weston. Our host will be Lorelei Ennis.

Meeting Minutes: March 25, 2009

Minutes of the March 25, 2009 meeting at Orloff CAJE in Davie.

Present: Sandy Birch, Kathleen Clotfelter, Lorelei Ennis, Heidi Estrin, Jackie Fine, Jerry Glantz, Etta Gold, Phyllis Gutmann, Judith Jagoda, Meta Lee, Jeff Marks, Tobias Rothenberg, Yettie Ruskin, Art Quinn, Sara Schandelson, Walter Spielman, Arlene Stein, Elayna Weisel, Lee Wixman

I) Heidi called the meeting to order at 12:40pm. Elayna Weisel was thanked for hosting the meeting and lunch.

II) Regarding the 2009 national AJL Convention, Heidi reminded members that travel subsidies are available to assist members to attend who may lack funding. Registration includes kosher meals. The program is available on AJL’s website. The convention takes place July 5-8 in Chicago, immediately followed by ALA in the same city.

III) Heidi reminded members that the SFAJL chapter website is now a blog, available at www.sfajl.org. The newsletter will no longer be distributed in print form and all news can be accessed on the blog. Members that wish to be on the blog's email distribution list should submit their e-mail addresses to Heidi. AJL Podcasts can be accessed through the site www.jewishlibraries.org/podcast.

IV) The guest speaker for the meeting was introduced. Eric Brown is a musician and freelance editor. He recently edited the biography of Stephen Schwartz, Defying Gravity by Carol de Giere. Schwartz is a successful composer and lyricist with famous projects that include Godspell, Pippin, The Prince of Egypt, and most recently, Wicked. Mr. Brown discussed Schwartz’s career and answered questions from members. Visit www.defyinggravitythebook.com for more information on the book, www.caroldegiere.com for the author's website, www.musicalschwartz.com for Carol de Giere's fansite, and www.stephenschwartz.com for Schwartz's official site.

V) Members were then asked to openly discuss news and issues of their own libraries, and many members shared news and questions.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 20 at the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center in Hollywood. Some members asked if the last meeting could be rescheduled due to its proximity to Passover. Heidi will check if that is possible, otherwise the meeting is still scheduled for April 20.

The meeting adjourned at 1:45pm.

Thank you to Art Quinn for recording the minutes.

Valuing Libraries Workshop

SFAJL's "Valuing Libraries" workshop on January 8 was very successful! We had 36 people in attendance, SFAJL members as well as many other librarians from the community at large. Our speaker, Joanne Roukens, was funny, down-to-earth, and incredibly well-organized! She provided us with a multitude of handouts, lists of further resources, and step-by-step instructions on articulating the value of our libraries. Links to the handouts are below - please feel free to reproduce and share.

=============================

PART 1 of the Workshop is VALUING YOUR SERVICES

"Valuing Your Services" Powerpoint presentation - this Powerpoint will walk you through the first half of the workshop. It includes live links to many additional resources.

Workbook, Part 1 "Valuing Your Services" - This is a Word document. You can fill in the blanks with info about your own library.

Neptune Public Library Example

Niceville Library Sample Value Sheet

Fill-in Worksheet for Your Library - in Excel

Resource List, Part 1 - with links

PART 2 of the workshop is MAKING YOUR CASE

"Making Your Case" Powerpoint presentation

Workbook, Part 2 "Making Your Case" - a Word document for you to fill in

Strategy for Communication document - a Word document, fill in the blanks with your specifics

Resource List, Part 2 - with links

"Dear Mayor" Impact Letter Example

If you have questions or comments, please contact our instructor, Joanne Roukens, at jroukens@hrlc.org.

Meeting Minutes: November 17, 2008

Minutes of the November 17, 2008 SFAJL meeting at Hagen Ranch Road Branch of the Palm Beach County Library.

Present: Sandy Birch, Sandy Gottesman Breger, Rita Cimbal, Len Edelman, Heidi Estrin, Dr. Jerry Glantz, Bea Gold, Etta Gold, Tsipi Keller, Selma Levy, Diane Malakoff, Jeff Marks, Wendy Peppercorn, Annette Rindner, Arlene Ritholtz, Rabbi Tobias Rothenberg, Yettie Ruskin, Walter Spielman, Ruth Weiner, Martyn Winston, Lee Wixman, Shirley Wolfe, Meyer and Helen Zaremba

I) Heidi called the meeting to order at 12:35pm, and thanked Adam Davis, Jeffrey Marks, and Karen Spano for hosting us.

II) Heidi distributed information regarding some new AJL resources, i.e. a list of books relevant to Israel’s 60th birthday and the web site of the new AJL podcast. Additionally, she reported on her attendance at the School Library Journal Leadership Summit, where she collected some information to pass along to AJL colleagues:

• School Libraries Work, a study on the positive impact libraries make on their schools
• The Playaway, a new format of audiobook akin to an iPod
• Vicki Cobb's new science experiment book and her interactive video component ("We Dare You")
  

Walter passed around a DVD and purchase information of a new documentary called “Swimming in Auschwitz” (www.swimminginauschwitz.com), and Etta offered free copies of her temple’s founding rabbi emeritus Rabbi Baumgard’s memoir Finding My Way to God.

III) Heidi asked again for volunteers to guest edit our newsletter “Headlines & Footnotes.” Yettie Ruskin spoke about how much she enjoyed writing about her synagogue in the latest issue of the newsletter. Furthermore, she suggested that it’s a good way to raise your profile within your own institution. However, no volunteers spoke up.

IV) Three speakers addressed our gathering today:

a) The first speaker was an unexpected guest who spoke about the ambitious manuscript that he hoped to publish and donate to university libraries everywhere. Meyer Zaremba and his wife Helen had researched and compiled a collection of 120 Yiddish songs translated into English. Their passion for Yiddish and delight in the music was infectious and entertaining.

b) Next we heard from Dr. Jerry Glantz who has recently published a biography of his father, renowned cantor Leib Glantz. The talent and influence of Cantor Glantz was impressive and the tributes to his inspirational voice are awesome – even praise from Albert Einstein! This volume comes complete with 2 cds of Cantor Glantz’s singing, from which Dr. Glantz played several excerpts. The book is titled The Man Who Spoke to God, published by The Tel Aviv Institute for Jewish Liturgical Music, 2008 and is available online at www.TheManWhoSpokeTo God.com.

c) Our final speaker/author was Tsipi Keller who has recently published a collection of Israeli poetry translated into English titled “Poets on the Edge,” by SUNY Press, 2008, also available online at www.sunypress.edu or orderbook@cupserv.org. Tsipi, a writer of fiction herself, has published translations in the past, but this book was an ongoing project of hers for many years. In many instances, she was able to work closely with the poets whose poems she interpreted. Twenty-seven contemporary Hebrew poets are represented in this brilliant anthology.

IV) During ‘Good and Welfare,’ we learned that Sue Kirshner, librarian an B'nai Torah, has recently undergone hip surgery and that she recently lost a grandson. Heidi raffled off 2 copies of The Hanukkah Mice by Steven Kroll to all members whose dues were current. Finally, we wrapped up our meeting with a tour of the Hagen Ranch Road library, which has only been open for about 4 months. Branch Manager Karen Spano graciously walked us through this marvelous, state-of-the-art building and pointed out the many new and improved modes of library operation present therein.

We ended our meeting at 2:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted by
Etta D. Gold

Meeting Minutes: September 16, 2008

Minutes of September 16, 2008 meeting, Temple Dor Dorim, Weston



Present: Sandy Birch, Rita Cimbal, Kathleen Clotfelter, Lorelei Ennis, Heidi Estrin, Jackie Fine, Bea Gold, Etta Gold, Phyllis Gutmann, Joanne Jaffe, Judith Jagoda, Sue Kirshner, Meta Lee, Jeff Marks, Ava Phillips, Art Quinn, Marcia Rapp, Debbie Ring, Rabbi Tobias Rothenberg, Yettie Ruskin, Edith Sherman, Walter Spielman, Ruth Weiner, Elayna Weisel, Lee Wixman, Shirley Wolfe



I) Heidi called the meeting to order at 12:40pm. Lorelei Ennis was thanked for hosting the meeting and lunch.



II) Dor Dorim library volunteer Meta Lee, who has a background as a librarian and professional storyteller, told a funny story from The Folktales of Joha. Interestingly, the story had the very same structure as a "Jack" tale, but apparently was evolved independently from the Jack tradition. Meta was very good, and is available for hire as a storyteller. Contact her at (954) 217-0058.



III) Heidi reminded members to renew membership for the 2008-09 year (click here for a membership form). She also requested guest editors for the chapter newsletter, and a host for the November meeting.



IV) Heidi, Etta, Judith, and Edith attended the June, 2008 AJL convention in Cleveland, Ohio. They spoke about their convention experiences.

• Heidi showed convention photos of visiting authors, local history tours, workshops, vendors, and great meals.


• Etta spoke passionately about meeting Cristos Nicola (author, The Secret of Priest's Grotto), whose caving hobby led him to learn about Jews who survived WWII hidden in a Ukranian cave, and to reconnect the survivors' family with their own history. Etta will be bringing Cristos to Temple Beth Am in Miami to speak on January 25, 2009.


• Judith kvelled about the networking, the friendliness, and about meeting Steve Sheinkin, author of The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey.


• Edith spoke about the excellent Valuing Libraries workshop at the convention, which was so good that we are reprising it locally on January 8, 2009 at CAJE in Miami.


• Next year's AJL convention will be in Chicago, July 5-8, 2009. The dates have been moved to follow ALA, which will also be in Chicago that year.

IV) Etta Gold discussed some favorite new Jewish titles for adults (adult booklist here). Heidi Estrin discussed highlights of 2008 Jewish books for kids, and brought the books along for display (kids' booklist here). Heidi also gave out Sydney Taylor Book Award promotional materials, including bookmarks and pins.

V) We raffled off a copy of the new children's book A is for Abraham by Richard Michelson. All members who had paid their dues were eligable. Rita Cimbal was very excited when her name was pulled out of the hat; as she said "I never win anything!"

VI) Heidi reminded members that many of the authors spoken about at this meeting have been interviewed in the past on her podcast, The Book of Life, available at http://www.bookoflifepodcast.com/ or by phone at 916-313-3820.

VII) Etta spoke briefly about AJL library accreditation as a means to promote the value of your library. While she no longer chairs this committee, she is a good source of information on the process.

VIII) The meeting adjourned at 2pm. Thanks again to all who participated, and to Lorelei for hosting!

Snapshots from the September 2008 AJL Meeting

Meeting Minutes: August 30, 2007

Minutes of August 30, 2007 meeting, David Posnack Hebrew High School, Plantation. I) Heidi called the meeting to order at 12:30pm. Judith Jagoda was thanked for hosting the meeting and lunch.

II) Heidi introduced the guest editor program for the chapter newsletter. She explained that the editor selects the content and photos to be included in each issue. Microsoft Publisher or Word may be used then saved as a PDF. The deadline for the next four issues are September 30, 2007; December 31, 2007; February 4, 2008; March 31, 2008. Members present suggested sections on new authors, highlights of new members, book reviews and programs. The next issue will be guest edited jointly by Judith Jagoda and Edith Sherman. Please email heidi@cbiboca.org if you are interested in guest editing a future issue!

III) Heidi then spoke of the AJL convention this past June in Scottsdale, AZ. She distributed photos of SFAJL members who attended and of members of the Sydney Taylor Book Award committee, as well as some featured authors. Other members shared their impression of convention. At the convention, Heidi did a presentation about her podcast, “The Book of Life,” which can be accessed by Internet http://www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com or by telephone 916-313-3820.

IV) Arlene Ritholtz, Judaica book dealer, spoke of her used book exchange program which she calls Book Bubbe. She buys, sells and trades used Jewish books. You can contact her at bookbubbe@att.net or 561-369-7666 if you have books to get rid of. Heidi also distributed information on Better World Books which accepts discards, sells them, and provides money back to the donor as well as to literary charities. More info at www.betterworldbooks.com.

V) Heidi then discussed a number of new Jewish children's books. See the list here. She added that JPS now has a speaker’s bureau. Contact Arielle Levites for info at ALevites@Jewishpub.org.

VI) Lee Wixman suggested having a regional AJL meeting for all Florida members. Orlando would be a central location so members from northern, central and west Florida could meet with members of SFAJL and the Sarasota chapter.

The next meeting will be at Touro College South in Miami Beach. Heidi is planning a museum tour at 10:15 that morning before the meeting which is close to the museum. She reminded members to renew for the current year ($15) and that the group address is

Meeting Minutes: March 4, 2008

Minutes of March 4, 2008 meeting, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton.

Present: Harriet Bial, Sandy Birch, Rita Cimbal, Kathleen Clotfelter, Barbara Cooper, Sandra Edelboim, Heidi Estrin, Etta Gold, Ohyllis Gutmann, Judith Jagoda, Stephen Jones, Lori Kelly, Sue Kirshner, Jeff Marks, Lillian Nadler, Ava Phillips, Art Quinn, Marcia Rapp, Arlene Robert, Florence Rodner, Rabbi Tobias Rothenberg, Daniel Scheide, Edith Sherman, Walter Spielman, Elayna Weisel, Lee Wixman, Shirley Wolfe

I) Heidi called the meeting to order at 12:27pm. Daniel Scheide was thanked for hosting the meeting and lunch.

II) Heidi promoted the guest editor program for our chapter’s newsletter. This year, members are acting editors of the newsletter with assistance from Heidi. Assistance was requested to prepare the next newsletter. Content can be reprinted from other newsletters if they have news of interest to the membership.

III) Heidi then spoke of the forthcoming convention in Cleveland. She spoke of highlights of the convention, including the Sidney Taylor Book awards, the keynote speaker, and continuing education available. Registration before May 1 is $400 and includes meals. The room rate is $129 per night. She also distributed the program and a registration form for members to view. For more information, check the website www.jewishlibraries.org Other members spoek of the benefits of attending, including networking with other librarians and meeting authors.

IV) Heidi then discussed the 2008 Sidney Taylor award winning books in three categories: younger children, older children, and teens. Etta Gold pointed out that there is also a manuscript award for books in preparation.

V) Members were then asked to introduce themselves and talk about their digital cataloging systems.

VI) The meeting adjourned at 1:20pm, after which followed a tour of the Arthur and Mata Jaffe collection.

The next meeting will be April 30 at Temple Beth Torah in Tamarac, hosted by Ava Phillips.

Meeting Minutes: April 30, 2008

Minutes of April 30, 2008 meeting, Temple Beth Torah, Tamarac.

I) Heidi called the meeting to order at 12:40pm. Ava Philips was thanked for hosting the meeting and lunch.

II) A presentation was made about the history of the Michelle Herman Goldstein Library at Temple Beth Torah. The library was named for a former teacher who was killed in the World Trade Center, Sptember 11, 2001. The library was dedicated in August 2003 but experienced severe damage after Hurricane Wilma. After renovations, the library was re-dedicated in January 2007. There are approximately 2000 volumes and the establishment of the library was spearheaded by Shana Gershman as a bat mitzvah project.

III) Heidi demonstrated Judaism Wiki, a web-based resource that can be edited. Heidi added an article on AJL. The URL is www.judaismwiki.com

IV) Heidi then demonstrated Jewish Values Finder, an online database of Jewish values and in what children’s books examples of these values can be found. The URL is www.ajljewishvalues.org

V) Heidi then promoted her podcast, The Book of Life, which is accessible online or by telephone. The URL is www.bookoflifepodcast.com

VI) Suggestions were made by members for summer reading and a program on young adult books was recommended for a future meeting. Rabbi Tobias Rothenberg talked about Israeli stamps throughout modern history.

The meeting adjourned at 2:15pm. The dates and locations of future meetings will be determined at a later date.

Meeting Minutes: April 23, 2007

Minutes of April 23, 2007 meeting, Donnal Klein Jewish Academy, Boca Raton.

Present: Sandy Birch, Rita Cimbal, Barbara Cooper, Paula Dropkin, Lorelei Ennis, Heidi Estrin, Jackie Fine, Etta Gold, Phyllis Gutmann, Sue Kirschner, Diane Malakoff, Laurie Mitrani, Lillian Nadler, Kassie Okularczyk, Sheree Pollock, Art Quinn, Annette Rindner, Arlene Robert, Rabbi Tobias Rothenberg, Sara Schandelson, Stephanie Schoenberger, Brenda & Jeff Serotte, Walter Spielman, Arlene & Harry Stein, Ruth Weiner, Lee Wixman

I) Heidi called the meeting to order at 12:30pm. Phyllis Gutmann and Stephanie Schoenberger were thanked for hosting the meeting and lunch.

II) Heidi distributed flyers for an April 27 event at Nova Southeastern University, the 20th Conference on Children's Literature. The event is free and sponsored by Broward County Library. Eric Kimmel, author of many Jewish books, is one of the featured speakers. Heidi also said that the chapter has T-shirts for sale through printfection.com/sfajl for $12 plus shipping.

III) Etta spoke about AJL convention networking opportunities with other librarians. Jonathan Kirsch will be keynote speaker. Heidi interviewed Mr. Kirsch and the interview is available on The Book of Life podcast, April 2007 episode, at www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com.

IV) Heidi asked for feedback and possible hosts for the next year's meetings. Some members expressed interest in hosting and made suggestions for future programs. Also, support for another joint meeting with the AJL chapter on the Gulf coast of Florida was expressed.

V) Heidi introduced the speaker, Brenda Serotte, author of a memoir, The Fortune Teller's Kiss. Brenda spoke about her childhood experiences in Turkey and growing up in the Bronx.

VI) Lee Wixman spoke of a book he reviewed and highly recommended called Witness by Ruth Gruber. It is non-fiction and a history of the Jewish people from 1944 to present. Lee also said he arranged displays of Passover Haggadahs at branches of the Palm Beach County Public Library System in Delray Beach and Boca Raton.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:50pm.

Meeting Minutes: March 21, 2007

Minutes of March 21, 2007 meeting, Greenfield Day School, Miami. Minutes recorded by Art Quinn.

Present: Kathleen Clotfelter, Steve Davidson, Heidi Estrin, Inez Feingold, Jackie Fine, Etta Gold, Phyllis Gutmann, Phyllis Levy, Art Quinn

I) Heidi called the meeting to order at 12:15pm. Jackie Fine was thanked for hosting the meeting and lunch. Heidi shared that the book, The Castle on Hester Street by Linda Heller is being re-illustrated and passed around a galley. She added that the Publications Committee of AJL needs assistance and to contact Debbie Stern if you think you might like to volunteer. Kathleen Clotfelter talked about a tolerance workshop sponsored by ADL that had been very helpful at her school (A World of Difference). She suggested that it was very relevant considering the theme of the exhibit we were touring at the JCC museum at the end of the meeting.

II) Heidi promoted attendance at the AJL convention which takes place June 17-20 this year in Scottsdale, Arizona. She distributed forms to register for convention and to apply for a travel grant. The 2008 convention will be in Cleveland, and 2009 will be in Chicago.

III) An announcement was passed out about Broward County Library's annual Children's Literature Conference on April 27. One of the featured authors is Eric Kimmel who has written many Jewish children's books.

IV) Phyllis Levy asked for clarification on using the Google group for e-mail replies. Heidi said that a reply will go to the entire group, and that for private messages users should not hit "reply" but should email the individual separately. Phyllis added that her congregation is holding a Seder April 3 that is open to the community. Jackie Fine talked about her Greenie Award program which awards a favorite book selected by each grade in the school by the children. Etta said that children had an activity to create their own book covers for their favorite books for the BABBA Award at Beth Am. Heidi brought duplicate books for members to take. Steve Davidson was introduced as a new member from Touro South in Miami Beach.

V) The meeting concluded with a tour of "Tolerance Through Picture Books: Every Picture Tells a Story," an exhibit at the Alper JCC, next to Greenfield School. The next meeting will be at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton on Monday April 23.

Meeting Minutes: January 15, 2007

January 15, 2007, Special Joint Meeting with West Coast Florida AJL, Temple Shalom, Naples
Minutes were taken by Judith Jagoda.

Present: Sandy Birch, Robin Coller, Lorelei Ennis, Heidi Estrin, Judy Feldman, Sylvia Firschein, Sheila Fleischer, Sol Friedman, Frank Hemphill, Joan Hood, Judith Jagoda, Harriet Perer, Ava Phillips, Saresta Rolland, Barbara Shur

This special joint meeting took place on January 15, Martin Luther King Day, at Temple Shalom in Naples. It was an easy ride for those of us who went from Dade and Broward. 15 members attended, 7 from the east coast, 8 from the west. Our host was Frank Hemphill the librarian of Temple Shalom in Naples.

Our meeting began with a D'var Torah given by Norm Keivasha, President of the Temple. He chose a passage from the parsha of three weeks ago about Jacob finding out that Joseph is alive and their meeting, in which Jacob says,"I see your face and you are yet alive." He explained that even though Jacob knew Joseph was alive when he went to see him what he actually meant was that he could look into Joseph's eyes and see that in his heart he is still a Jew and has not been converted by his experiences. How important it is to remain Jews in our hearts regardless of the temptations and trials we face.

Our agenda included a lovely lunch, open discussions regarding common issues in libraries; Heidi gave out the list of winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award winning titles (for Jewish children's and teen books) and explained how the book award process works. These books are recommended for both secular and non-secular libraries. The list is available online at www.SydneyTaylorBookAward.org.

Heidi's Podcast "The Book of Life" can be found at www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com Do yourselves a favor and listen to them; they are excellent. [This is a "radio show" available via Internet, all about Jewish books and music.]

We spent some time discussing difficulties of our profession. One common problem that affects us as librarians is the under-use of our materials. Librarians spend a great deal of time keeping their shelves stocked with the newest and best books available and very few books seem to get circulated. This seems to be especially true in the temple libraries. School libraries, just by their location, have larger reeadership as they serves the research needs of students and faculty. Each library holds activities to bring readers in.

Another discussion came up about Ex-president Jimmy Carter's new book and whether or not it has a place in our libraries since it is so obviously pro-Palestinian. The consensus seemed to feel that it would make for a great discussion group if paired with works of the opposite and in our minds more accurate view.

Inter-library borrowing was another subject: would it work, how this would be done, what are the pros and cons of this type of project. Frank Hemphill is going to research this and keep us apprised of the possibilities.

A great film recently shown on PBS titled; "Anti Semitism in the 21st Century" is being released next week and is available for purchase from PBS or Two Cat Productions. The film runs for 1 hour and is perfect for use in classrooms.

Hasafran is a library listserv on the AJL website. A good source of information, answers, guidance and since it's the national site, ideas from many places.

"FLAcat" is the Site of the Florida State Library system and has an extensive photo gallery.

The meeting adjourned at 2:30.