Welcome to the Library.
The Samuel Osher Memorial Library is named for Sam Osher, a generous member of the Congregation Etz Chaim community who continuously supported the synagogue’s growth. The library, located upstairs in Congregation Etz Chaim, is a useful resource for synagogue members, providing access to a unique collection of nearly 4,000 items for loan. From books and educational material to music and movies, the library’s offerings have something for the whole family. And the Library provides a welcoming and comfortable physical space that may be enjoyed while attending events and services at the synagogue.
Library Hours & Access
The Samuel Osher Memorial Library is currently operating with limited hours. Plans to provide the congregation and the broader community greater access are currently under development. Please check back on this webpage as well as on our calendar, https://etzchaimme.org/calendar for updates.
If you would like more information or would like to make arrangements for borrowing library materials, please email
David Strassler
Our Library Programs
Women’s Book Club
The Women’s Book Club provides a friendly and informal gathering space for women who love to read and discuss books to come together socially and intellectually. Focusing on books written by and about Jewish women, the club meets monthly on a year-round basis, covering 12 books, selected by the group, per year. (See below for this year’s selections.) Led by Susan Pierce and Maureen King, the meetings boast lively discussions about the book-of-the-night as well as other books that our avid readers are enjoying. They enrich the discussions with insights from her own reading, links to author interviews, and literary articles. Come share your thoughts and enjoy good company. All meetings are currently being held on Zoom.
For more information, contact Susan Pierce at:
bookclub@etzchaimme.orgWomen’s Book Club Selections
January 9, 2025
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue
Julie Satow
1930s-1960s nonfiction retail fashion leaders
Year Published:
2024
Page Count:
320
February 13, 2025
When We Flew Away
Alice Hoffman
A YA pre-Holocaust fictionalized look at Anne Frank’s early life.
Year Published:
2024
Page Count:
304
March 13, 2025
On Being Jewish Now
Edited by Zibby Owens
An anthology of essays by many current Jewish writers.
Year Published:
2024
Page Count:
342
April 10, 2025
The Singer Sisters
Sarah Seltzer
A novel about women in 1990’s music scene.
Year Published:
2024
Page Count:
272
May 8, 2025
The Outskirts of Hope: A Memoir of the 1960’s Deep South
Jo Ivester
Year Published:
2015
Page Count:
238
June 12, 2025
Ana Turns
Lisa Gornick
A novel encompassing the day before a woman turns 60.
Year Published:
2017
Page Count:
256
Children’s Books
If you’re interested in starting your own library of children’s books, please consider joining PJ Library, a program that distributes colorful children’s book to Jewish kids around the nation.
Visit pjlibrary.com if you would like to join.
Attention, All Book Worms!
Our call for library volunteers will be renewed when the Samuel Osher Memorial Library reopens. Please check the CEC Calendar page or the Library page for updates.
Contact David for more information.