Prentis Memorial Library Hours, September-April
If you would like to visit the library, please call 248-865-0627 to ensure the library is open to the public at that time.
Laura Gottlieb
Director of Cultural Resources
(248) 851-1100 ext. 3137/3138
(248) 865-0627 (Direct)
The Prentis Memorial Library was established in 1878 as the Temple Beth El Library by Rabbi Henry Zirndorf, the Temple’s ninth Rabbi. It is believed to be the oldest Jewish congregational library in Michigan. The library was named the Anna S. and Meyer L. Prentis Memorial Library in the mid 1970s when the congregation moved to its present location.
To view our catalog of books, visit the link above titled “Enter Catalog.” Our library hosts a wonderful book club called Bites & Books on Thursdays at noon every other month! Please visit the link above titled “Bites & Books Flyer Download” to learn more and view the upcoming titles.
The library is a cheerful gathering place and contains roughly 10,000 volumes of English language Judaica. The collection consists of Adult and Children’s fiction and non-fiction which provide a major resource of information on a variety of Jewish subjects. The children’s books are housed in a comfortable area that includes a toys and puzzles for play.
The Prentis Memorial Library contains a significant and beautiful asset in the Leonard N. Simons Collection of Rare Judaica, 900 volumes from the 17th through the 19th century. These were generously donated to enhance the scholarly resources of the library.
