Library | Congregation B'nai Israel

CBI’s Buns Family Library contains about 5,000 books. These include fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, books for young adults, reference, CDs, DVD’s, and books in Hebrew. The children’s section of the library now includes a large set of PJ Library books. The library catalog is based on the Weine Classification Scheme based on the Dewey Decimal Classifications. The Weine Classification Scheme is designed for Jewish libraries. The library belongs to the Association of Jewish Libraries.

The library is now on an OPALS system (OPen-source Automated Library System) This system is used in many synagogue libraries throughout the country. This allows our library to be available to congregants at home as well as in the synagogue. The online library also includes resources such as the Jewish Virtual Library, Jewish Theology Seminary Library, Women’s Archives and National Library of Israel, and the Yiddish Book Center. Congregants can review Israeli and Jewish resources such as the National Center for Film, Ellis Island and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum and Yad Vashem. Parents and children can access the Jewish Learning Network, Jewish Kids, International Children’s Library, Jewish Kids, and PBS Kids.

Library Procedures

Please refer to the library log in, tutorials and check out instructions on this page.  Books can be checked out online from the OPALS Buns Family Library site or in the library.

Any questions about the library access or check out instructions can be sent to Dr. Simon Pels at simonpels@gmail.com.

Check with the office on library availability as there may be a meeting in the library