Our unique Yiddish language lending library is based on the personal libraries of the Yiddish language authors the late Ch. Klinger and the late A M Kaizer, with additional books donated by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies and other donations. Apart from a very small number of very valuable books and reference works, all books can be borrowed. The total stock is currently about 1,200 books, consisting of fiction, non-fiction and periodicals. All books and journals are in the Yiddish language.

Most of the books (about 90%) have been catalogued. Members of the Library receive the catalogue automatically. Others can obtain the catalogue if they send in their name and address plus £2.40 worth of valid postage stamps (a booklet of 12 second class stamps) to the Spiro Ark (address below). When cataloguing is completed and/or significant additions are acquired, holders of a current year’s catalogue will receive supplements free of charge during the year. NB: The catalogue is currently only available in the Yiddish language.

Anyone resident in the UK may join the library and borrow books. Others are also welcome to visit the library when it is open to read the books. There is ample space for readers and there are tea and coffee making facilities.

The library is situated at 164 Gray’s Inn Rd, London WC1 (above the greengrocer’s).

Nearest tube station: Chancery Lane

Opening times:

Every wednesday from 3.0pm until 7.30pm until January 2005

Opening times are, however, subject to unforeseen circumstances. If you want to play safe, please contact the Spiro Ark on 020 7723 9991 or education@spiroark.org.

How to join the library

Send your name and address plus contact details (telephone, email etc) together with a cheque for £20 (£10 unwaged) to the Spiro Ark at 25-26 Enford Street, London, W1H 1DW.

The membership year runs from 1st September 2004 – 31st August 2005. The membership fee is composed of two parts: £10 (£5) contribution to the library’s running costs and £10 (£5) deposit which is refunded if all borrowed books are returned during the membership year.

Personal details will be held is accordance with data protection legislation and will not be passed on to any other organization.

Terms of Borrowing:

Members may borrow up to 3 books at the time. The basic lending period is 4 weeks. If necessary books can be renewed in person at the library or if a postal request is made at the Spiro Ark – address above.

Books through our Postal Service: Readers should notify us which of the catalogued books or articles they wish to borrow – we will weigh them and let them know the costs of postage.

Extracts, articles or short stories: The photocopying of individual pages will be charged as 5p per page plus postage.

Some of the books are quite old and fragile: please treat them gently.