Beth Emeth Library
Library Quicklinks: Hours • Borrowing • Catalog • Support • Book Donations • Contact
The library is an inviting space to search for a book or just sit comfortably and read a magazine or study. Named in honor of Rabbi Steven Glazer, the library offers religious, spiritual, educational, and popular Judaic resources for every age and background. The online catalog makes it easy to find a specific title and to browse the stacks. Is there a new Jewish book you would like to read? Click here to send suggestions for books to consider for purchase.
The mission of the Congregation Beth Emeth Library is to provide Judaic materials not readily available in the wider secular community that will support and enhance the various programs of the synagogue and provide a framework for lifelong learning among the clergy, staff, and members of the congregation. As an intellectual meeting space and learning center, it reflects the Congregation Beth Emeth commitment to Jewish life and study.
The library has over 1,500 books and other materials on Jewish topics. We have adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction, including poetry, short stories and biographies. Bible, Jewish thought, Midrash, Jewish liturgy, Kabbalah, lifecycle events, history, biography, fiction, travel, cooking, art, parenting, and feminism.
In addition to our circulating books, we have many reference resources covering the Bible, Talmud, Jewish encyclopedias, life-cycle rituals, baby names, genealogy, Hebrew/English dictionaries and other areas. We currently subscribe to the Washington Jewish Week (current copies are in the main lobby) and several magazines.
The resource center is generally open to members of the congregation when the main office is open. Feel free to come in and read, relax, study, browse, or check out a book (just sign it out at the circulation desk). If you find the door locked, somebody in the main office will open the resource center for you. If you are coming to CBE expressly to use the library, you are welcome to check in advance to make sure it isn't being used for a meeting or class (office@bethemeth.org or 703.860.4515 ext 101).
Please sign out any books that you are borrowing in the binder located on the circulation desk. Include the book title, your name and the date. Books may be borrowed for a period of two weeks, and may be renewed after that time.
You can look to see what books are available in our library anytime, day or night, by accessing our catalog. Our library catalog is online and can be accessed by clicking here:
The library holds more than 1,000 volumes, shelved according to the Elazar classification System. Elazer is just like the Dewey Decimal System used in most public libraries, but was modified specifically for Judaic content books. The library has a subject guide and shelf labels that may help you find items by browsing, but the online catalog is the best way to explore, discover and locate specific books in the collection.
The best way to support the library is to use it! Drop in and check it out and look over the books and magazines.
Please consider making a gift to the CBE Library Fund in honor or memory of a loved one. Generous donations have helped make it possible to purchase books, supplies, and magazine subscriptions. We also appreciate donations of Jewish books!
Gifts of books and other library materials with Jewish content are gratefully accepted by the library with the understanding that the library reserves the unconditional ownership of gifts and reserves the right to dispose of materials later, including items with bookplates. The library may elect to send unneeded donated materials to other institutions. Gifts to the CBE Library Fund are always greatly appreciated!
- The library will accept: adult and children's books with Jewish content published in the last 20 years, including “PJ Library” and “PJ Our Way” books.
- The following items will not be accepted: books with copyright dates before the year 1990, materials in poor condition, and magazines older than one year.
Contact the Librarian
If you have questions about the library or how to use the catalog, please email library@bethemeth.org.