June 17, 1999
Have Library, Must Travel
In searching for lost Jewish tomes, David Hirsch doesn't do things by the book
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Hirsch, the Jewish and Middle Eastern studies bibliographer at the library, supervises a collection of treasures that range from a 1489 edition of Nahmanides' commentary on the Torah to one of the best Ladino book collections anywhere. But the treasures remain largely unknown to L.A. Jews, as hidden as Hirsch's office in the flourescent-lit, underground halls of the URL.
That is something Hirsch hopes to change.
Through his website and other efforts, the librarian is striving to increase public awareness of the library and also his fund raising endeavors. During the 1970s, there was plenty of state money for libraries to purchase books; not anymore. Finding funding is made even more difficult by the fact that there are several other prominent Jewish libraries in L.A., Hirsch says.
