ADOPT-A-BOOK

What is being lost:
In libraries all over the world books printed since the mid-nineteenth century have become brittle and are now crumbling into tiny flakes of paper. This is a result of acidification, the breakdown of natural resins by the acids used to make woodpulp. Jewish books are unique among the different literatures of the world, because they are sought after and used today as much as when they were first published. Many of these nineteenth-century works, often printed at great personal sacrifice, have already disintegrated beyond repair. Others are being lost through fire, theft and accident

What can be done:
The Judaica Archival Project has established a rescue program at the Jewish National and University Library of the Hebrew University. In consultation with libraries and scholars we are gathering lists and information about brittle books and microfilming them. These microfilms are then reproduced on microfiche cards and CD-ROM disks for libraries and scholars.

What you can do:
You are being asked to adopt a book! Examples of rare and endangered Jewish books are found in the JAP catalogue. An application form follows. You may select a specific work or group of books you wish to save. You may add a dedication of up to forty letters which will appear on the microfiche card. If you are adopting a book to celebrate a happy occasion or in memoriam of friend or family please note the recipient's address so we can notify him of the gift or memorial. Include $30 for each journal issue or $60 for each volume (or $100 for each volume with dedication) you wish to adopt. Add $40 for each dedication. Adoptees can also dedicate a "shelf" (20 volumes) or "bookcase" (100 volumes) in the library in a single payment or on a monthly basis.

What we will do:
We will microfilm the book you have selected and create a permanent microfiche card bearing the dedication you have indicated. The original microfilm will be stored in a safety vault at the National Library and the microfiche and digital will be copied and made available to Libraries and scholars. One copy will be sent to you or the recipient indicated. A Canadian, U.S., English or Israeli tax exempt receipt will be issued to you.