3405 Gulling Road, Reno, NV 89503
3405 Gulling Road, Reno, NV 89503
The Temple Sinai Library Committee is dedicated to creating a welcoming, enriching space where members of all ages can explore, learn, and connect through Jewish books, ideas, and experiences.
We oversee both the Main Library and Youth Library, curating relevant collections, hosting meaningful programs, and maintaining inviting spaces that support Jewish learning and community. Guided by the values of Tikkun Olam and a deep love of lifelong learning, our committee works to make Jewish resources accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
In the Main Library read, study, meet or relax with free WiFi.
The Youth Library offers books, educational toys, and even a multi-media center plus lots of fun, comfortable seating.
We take our mission seriously—and we also know how to have fun! As we build and maintain the libraries, we also build friendships and share in the joy of service.
Both libraries are open during regular synagogue hours, with comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. Temple Sinai members can easily browse the catalog and check out books using our simple self-service system.
You can now borrow eBooks and audiobooks from the Temple Sinai Library using Libby, the easy-to-use library app available on your phone, tablet, or computer.
If you have any trouble logging in or finding your account, feel free to reach out to us at library@sinaireno.org — we’re happy to help!
From Novel Noshers (our book club) to Movie Nights, Game Nights, and more—Temple Sinai’s libraries are buzzing with activity. There’s always something engaging happening, and you’re invited to be part of it!
Click the button here or visit SinaiReno.org/Catalog to search our collection from anywhere. Members can log in, save books to their list, view their accounts and then visit the library to check-out and return books.
The Guest Check-out form is for people who are not Temple members, but still want to check out materials.
Through “Restories”, the Library Committee continues to engage synagogue members by reaching out to home-bound members by loaning and delivering books in our collection. The goal is to bring friendship, relaxation, adventure, enjoyment, and knowledge because books make you better. If you know of any members that would benefit from this program please email us at library@sinaireno.org.
Volunteering for the Library Committee requires a few hours each month and yields immeasurable results for Temple Sinai and the greater Reno community. The committee convenes regularly and makes every effort for its’ meetings to be accessible, whether in person or virtually. Click the button below to message us and become a volunteer.
Support reading, literacy, and education by giving an in-kind or monetary donation to the designated Temple Sinai Library Fund. To make a financial donation to the Temple Sinai Library Fund, click the button below and choose “Library Fund” in the donation options. Or, you can email the synagogue office for more information.
To donate an in-kind gift, click below and message us to find out if your book or DVD donations meet our library criteria.
The Temple Sinai Library Committee, in collaboration with Jewish Nevada, recently hosted an inspiring author event featuring Christine Silk, who captivated the audience with insights into her novel The Dark Fire. The conversation was skillfully guided by Tanya Nawrocki, a lecturer at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Guests were treated to live readings from the book, a lively Q&A session, and afterward, everyone gathered in the Library for light refreshments and a personalized book-signing with the author.
Throughout the event, passages were read, questions asked, then all adjourned to the Library for snacks, and book-signing.
In partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno’s Special Collections, the Temple Sinai Library Committee recently hosted an insightful event featuring Elspeth Olson. A Library Committee member and an Assistant Professor, Elspeth also serves as the Outreach and Public Services Archivist at the Special Collections and University Archives of UNR Libraries.
During the event, Elspeth explored the fascinating world of archival preservation, sharing valuable tips on how to safeguard everything from documents to physical objects for future generations. Attendees got an up-close look at rare books and preservation techniques. A big thank you to Elspeth for offering her expertise and passion with us!
On November 16th, the Temple Sinai Library hosted an Edible Book Festival! Participants created edible displays based on a book (or books!) of their choosing. The rules were that the display must be (mostly) edible, non-toxic ingredients, and the display must be based on a book available in the Temple Sinai Library.
Participants competed and voted to win the coveted in the four prize categories: Best in Show, Most Edible, Funniest/Punniest, & Most Literary.
‘The Book of Dirt’ by friend of the library, Mr. Katherine Swezey! (son of Emmy award-winning Craig Seidel)
‘The Bus Driver Who Wanted To Be God’ by Tova McGilvray & Suzy Ramos
‘Conquering Beer’, ‘How Good Do We Have to Bean’, ‘To Lite’, ‘When Bad Things Happen to Gouda People’ & ‘The Curd is My Shepherd’ by Rabbi Ben
In a move that was shocking to nobody, Rabbi Ben claimed the ‘Funniest/Punniest’ category with his multiple displays based on some of Harold Kushners’ selected works.
‘Chronicles –News of the Past’ by Ronan Kerr Recreated in funfetti cake
The evening of April 17th, 2024 was Antisemitism: Then, There, and Now hosted by Jewish Nevada and Temple Sinai Library Committee. Three presenters discussed different times and places. Dr. James McSpadden discussed the origins of antisemitism in Europe. Dr. Dennis Dworkin discussed the antisemitism in American during his life time and the political landscape at the time. Elliot Malin discussed antisemitism now in Northern Nevada and his role on the Nevada Governor’s Advisory Council on Education Relating to the Holocaust. All three presenters then engaged in Q&A moderated by Mara Langer, director of Community Engagement for Jewish Nevada.
Temple Sinai Reno is part of The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot which celebrates and shares the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary Jewish life around the world. The ongoing and multi-faceted story of the Jewish people includes impressive, interactive exhibits. Com.unity is a most impressive, interactive exhibit. This project offers Jewish communities from all around the world visibility and an opportunity to share their inspiring story about the global Jewish experience.
Visit com-unity.bh.org.il and enter “Temple Sinai Reno” in the search bar to see many familiar faces from our Sinai community.
a program from the Temple Sinai Reno Library Committee
Sponsored by Jewish Nevada and the Jewish Book Council
In 2020, the Temple Sinai Library Committee asked Temple Sinai members to submit their personal stories, memoirs, and poetry about Jewish life experiences while living through the COVID-19 pandemic. “Being Jewish in the Time of COVID” is a collection of these.
The synagogue Library Committee extends its thanks to the members who contributed to this historical document and to our rabbis, president, Board of Directors, and office administrator for their support.
The evening of February 28, 2020, was WOW Shabbat. Hosted by the Library Committee to celebrate the opening of the Women of The Wall Photo Exhibit in the small social hall, participants joined together to recognize the 10th anniversary of a photo session in which congregant Steve Davis photographed women of Temple Sinai wearing Tallit and holding a Torah. They did so to demonstrate their solidarity with the Women of the Wall (WOW) in Israel. Founded in 1988, WOW is a multi-denominational feminist organization whose goal is to secure the rights of women to pray at the Western Wall (Kotel) in a fashion that includes wearing religious garments (tallit, kippah, and tefillin), reading aloud from the Torah, and singing.
On March 5, 2020, the exhibit was viewed by over 200 community-wide attendees in conjunction with the interfaith forum entitled “Breaking the Stained-Glass Ceiling”.
