Category: Library News

Footprints of History

On Thursday, 14 November 2024, the Zbierski Library buzzed with excitement as 18 students gathered for a captivating student-led activity named “Footprints of History.” Ms. Elizabeth Dsouza, Director of the Library warmly welcomed the group and introduced Khader Qassis, a second-year student, who led the hour-long journey through cultural wonders around the world. Khader’s visually […]

Al-Ibrahimieh Society School Visits Bethlehem University Zbierski Library

From November 5 to 7, 2024, Bethlehem University’s Zbierski Library welcomed 80 students from Al-Ibrahimieh Society School, accompanied by their teachers. The three-day visit aimed to introduce the students to the library’s resources and deepen their connection to Palestinian heritage. The library team, led by Juana Juha, provided an informative introduction to the various resources […]

Book Club Strengthens Bonds at Zbierski Library

On Thursday, 7 November 2024, Bethlehem University’s Zbierski Library held a lively student gathering titled “Book Club Strengthens Bonds.” Initially planned as a shared reading session, the activity evolved into an engaging discussion as students shared insights from books they’d recently read. Library Director, Ms. Elizabeth D’Souza, welcomed the students warmly and guided the activity. […]

Bookworm Haven: An Unforgettable Afternoon of Insight and Inspiration

On Thursday, 31 October 2024, the Zbierski Library was alive with energy as Bookworm Haven brought together a dynamic group of book lovers. Ms. Elizabeth Dsouza warmly welcomed the group and led the session brimming with eye-opening insights and spirited conversations—making for a truly memorable afternoon! Each participant shared a unique book, weaving together an […]

A Philosophical and Psychological Dialogue at Zbierski Library

On Thursday, 24 October 2024, the Zbierski Library held an engaging student activity titled “A Dialogue on Philosophy and Psychology,” with 18 students in attendance. Ms. Vera Koussa, a library staff member, warmly welcomed everyone and introduced Islam Abueram, a second-year student, who led the session. Islam began with a thought-provoking PowerPoint presentation, offering clear […]

Student Activity on The Art of Reading and Writing: “A Personal Success Story”

On Thursday, October 10, 2024, the Zbierski Library hosted a student activity titled “The Art of Reading and Writing: A Personal Success Story” from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, attended by twenty-two students. Ms. Elizabeth Dsouza, Director of the Library, welcomed the attendees and introduced Chantal Nabil Awad, a first-year student who led the presentation. […]

Zbierski Library Engages Students with Interactive Found Poetry Session

The Zbierski Library at Bethlehem University held an interactive session on “Understanding & Analyzing Texts through Found Poetry” on Thursday, 23 May 2024. Library Director Ms. Elizabeth D’souza warmly welcomed Dr. Fadel Sawayfa, an expert in writing poetry. He shared his experiences and tips for developing poetry writing skills. Dr. Sawayfa guided attendees in examining […]

Student Activity on “Reading Skills” in Zbierski Library

On Thursday, 30 May 2024, the Zbierski Library hosted a highly motivating student activity on “Reading Skills” at the library building. Library Director, Ms. Elizabeth D’souza welcomed the students and thanked them for participating and introduced and thanked Ms. Islam Abueram expressing her appreciation for organizing the activity. Miral Khoury, Library Staff for Digital and […]

Student Cell Hosts Disability Awareness Workshop at Zbierski Library

The Zbierski Library at Bethlehem University held a workshop on “Disability Awareness” organized by the student cell on Thursday, 9 May 2024.. Library Director Ms. Elizabeth D’souza warmly welcomed the event’s speakers, Mrs. Sanabel Hsan (Psychologist) and Ms. Dana Ramadan (Occupational Therapist) from Al Shourouq Organization. She also extended her gratitude to the student cell […]

Talitha Kumi School visits the Zbierski Library

On Wednesday, 27 March 2024, a group of 10th grade students from Talitha Kumi School visited the Zbierski Library to learn about the services it provides to students and the community.  The Turathuna: George Nasra center for Palestinian Heritage team warmly welcomed the students as they arrived.  On their way to visit the center, Ms. […]

Warm Welcome to Br. Joseph Pham

We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to Br. Joseph Pham, who joins us as a volunteer in the library. The library staff hosted a special breakfast to mark the beginning of his journey with us. Br. Joseph Pham’s dedication to volunteering in the library is greatly appreciated, and we are excited to have […]

Library Liaison Meeting

The Library Liaison Annual Meeting on October 26, 2023, fostered significant dialogue between faculty representatives and the Library Team. Directed by Elizabeth Dsouza, the meeting concentrated on empowering students and faculty, aiming to boost library involvement, enhance online accessibility, and advance information literacy initiatives. Executive Vice President Fr. Iyad Twal encouraged a positive outlook amid […]

Golden Jubilee Exhibition by Dr. Suava Salameh

 “An Arduous Road to Statehood after the end of the Imperial Rule”  An exhibition was set up outside the Zbierski Library entrance on 1 October 2023 during Bethlehem University’s celebrations of its Golden Jubilee. The exhibition draws parallels between the struggles of Palestinian society, particularly its youth, for liberty, independence, and self-determination, and Poland’s historical […]

Zbierski Library Team Wins Quality Assurance Award Again

The Zbierski Library team has won the Vice Chancellor’s Quality Assurance Award for the second year in a row. Vice Chancellor Br. Peter Bray and Executive Vice President Fr. Iyad Twal presented the award to Director Ms. Elizabeth Dsouza at the start of the Fall 2023 semester. This award recognizes the library’s continued excellence in […]

Educational Summer Camp for Students

Turathuna: George Nasra Center for Palestinian Heritage at the Zbierski Library – Bethlehem Unversity, commenced a summer camp on Monday, 10 July 2023, generously funded by Pro TerraSancta. Sixteen students from different schools, namely Frere School, St. Joseph School, Lutheran School, American School, and Government School, enthusiastically enrolled in the camp. Several activities were organized […]

Zbierski Library Honors Student Facilitators

On Thursday, 8 June 2023, the Zbierski Library proudly recognized the invaluable contributions of student facilitators in fostering a positive, vibrant, and enriching atmosphere during the Student Cell Activities. The library team is delighted to announce the presentation of certificates to honor these dedicated students and their exceptional commitment. During a special ceremony, Ms. Elizabeth […]

Student Cell Activity on “Nutrition and Health”

On Thursday, 4 May 2023, the Zbierski Library held an engaging student cell activity on “Nutrition and Health” in the Library Building. Library Director, Ms. Elizabeth D’Souza, expressed her gratitude to Nicole Khalilieh for preparing and presenting the activity, highlighting the importance of the topic and welcoming all participants. Nicole’s PowerPoint presentation on the fundamentals […]

Turathuna Team Plants Trees for Green Initiative

The Turathuna team, driven by their passion for promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly environment, planted Olive, Lemon, Bay Leaf, and Rosemary Trees in the university garden.  The trees were donated by the Environment Education Center at Talitha Kumi School in Beit Jala, and  Mr. Munir Salsa. The team expresses gratitude to students Bashar Jarayseh, Joana […]

Student Cell Activity at Zbierski Library

The Zbierski Library held a student cell activity on Thursday, 30 March 2023, on “Mental Health and Relaxation Techniques.” Ms. Elizabeth D’Souza, the Library Director, introduced the student, Sandy Kara’a, and thanked her for preparing the activity. She emphasized the importance of the topic and extended a warm welcome to all the participants. Sandy presented […]

Student Cell Activity Held at the Library

The Zbierski Library held a student cell activity on Thursday, 23 March 2023, on “Child Labor.” Nine students participated in the session which was led by the student, Maram Sandoka. There was a good discussion and interaction among the staff and the students about the topic and possible solution. It was good to see that […]

Joint Celebration in the Library

On Thursday, 9 of March, 2023, the Library Team had a joint celebration of the ‘Award winning for quality assurance cell’, birthdays, women’s day and Mother’s Day. We thank Br. Peter Bray, Fr. Iyad Twal, Mr. Hassan Costantini and Mr. Francis Sleibi for gracing this occasion. A heartfelt thanks for spending your precious time with […]

Interactive Media & Communications Students visit Library

Mr. Mustafa Bader, Instructor at the Arabic Department visited Turathuna “George Nasra Center for Palestinian Heritage” with his students of Interactive Media and Communications students, on 1 March 2023. Mary Morcos explained to them the work of the library and guided them through the newspapers that are on microfilm, especially “Falastin” issues of which are […]

The Student Cell activity in the Library

The Zbierski Library held a student cell activity on Thursday, 2 March 2023, on “Video Production.” Ms. Elizabeth D’souza, Library Director, introduced student cell member, Younis Ja’afra, and welcomed Ms. Tamara Abu Laban, Instructor at the Interactive Media and Communications program, and all the students.  Ms. D’souza encouraged the students to participate in video production […]

Audio Production Presentation Held at Zbierski Library

The Zbierski Library held a student cell activity on Thursday, 12 January 2023, on “Audio Production.” Ms. Elizabeth D’souza, Library Director, introduced student cell member, Arama Sleibi, and welcomed the students encouraging them to interact with one another. Sleibi presented an overview on the basics of audio production in an informative PowerPoint presentation. She also […]

Student Cell Activity in the Library

The student Cell activity - “Time Management” was held on Thursday, 8th of December 2022 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM in the Library Building. Student cell member, Razan Miqdadi displayed the PowerPoint and led the session, which was very informative and useful. 15 students participated in the session and there was very good interaction with [...]

Library Liaison Annual Meeting

The Annual Library Liaison meeting took place on Thursday, December 1st, 2022 in the Garden level of the Library –L005 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Ms. Elizabeth Dsouza, Library Director, welcomed Fr. Iyad Twal and all the representatives of the different departments to the meeting. Ms. Elizabeth, displayed the power point of the Library […]

Student Cell Activity in the Library

Student Cell at BU Library titled “Youth, the Leaders of Tomorrow” had an activity on Thursday, 24 November 2022 from 12:00-1:00 PM.Ms. Elizabeth D’souza welcomed the group and encouraged the students to have this kind of activity in the library for more interactions among students.The first student activity for this academic year titled “Friendship” was […]

Learning Chess at Turathuna

Encouraged by Ms. Elizabeth Dsouza and Ms. Samar Mousa, the Turathuna team organized the ‘Learning Chess’ activity in George Nasra Center on Thursday, November 17th, 2022, during the activity hour.  Seventeen female participants joined this activity which was coached by Maher Takrouri, who won several prizes in chess competitions. Two students joined to coach along with […]

Wadi Al Akhdar School visits BU Library

On Wednesday, November 9th, 2022, a group of 9 female students of 9th grade from Wadi Al Akhdar school, visited Bethlehem University Library along with their two teachers. Wadi Al Akhdar school is located in Wadi Fukin, a Palestinian village in the West Bank, 10  km west of Bethlehem. They were welcomed by Ms. Mary […]

English major sophomores visited Library

On 1 November 2022, a group of 27 sophomores visited the Library with Sawsan Shomali who introduces English major students to the process of and various steps in writing a research paper. Ms. Elizabeth Dsouza, Library Director, extended a warm welcome to the group and encouraged them to visit the Library as often as possible. […]

Library Skills for Master Students

Dr. Rabab Tamish from the Faculty of Education asked to provide an informative lecture about different resources and facilities of the Library for 12 Masters Students in the “Creative Pedagogies and Community Practices” program. On Friday, 28 October 2022 from 10:30 to 11:15 AM in Room E-101 Juana Juha explained to them how to reach our […]

Grad Students Tour BU Library

On Friday, 28th of October 2022, at the request of Ms. Hiyam Sacca, the Library arranged for the tour for 12 students of the Master in Infectious Diseases; Prevention and Control program. Ms. Elizabeth Dsouza extended a warm welcome to the group and explained to them the available resources and services of the Library. Ms. […]

Trip to Arab Al-Rashaydeh

Under the title “Know your Country”, the George Nasra Center organized a trip to the desert to Arab Al-Rashaydeh in the East of Bethlehem on Saturday 8th of October 2022 at 4:00 p.m. It was guided by Mr. Saed Shomaly, an author of several books on the region and its wildlife. Fourteen members of the […]

The Lutheran School visits BU Library

On Wednesday, 5 October 2022, a group of 32 students from The Lutheran School in Beit Sahour visited Bethlehem University Library with their teachers Ms. Haidi Asmari and Ms. Randa Jaraiseh. Ms. Mary Morcos along with members of the Turathuna Team and the Director of the Library, Ms. Elizabeth D’souza welcomed them as Ms. Mirna […]

The Hope School visits BU Library

On Tuesday, October 4th 2022, a group of 14 students from The Hope School in Beit Jala visited Bethlehem University Library with their teachers Ms. Dalia Abu Eita and Mr. Fuad Qasasfeh. Ms. Mary Morcos along with members of the Turathuna Team and the Director of the Library, Ms. Elizabeth D’souza welcomed them as Ms. Mirna […]

SIRA – Special Education School visits BU Library

On Wednesday and Thursday, 21st and 22nd of September 2022, two groups of 46 students from SIRA – Special Education School in Bethlehem visited Bethlehem University Library accompanied by their teachers. Ms. Mary Morcos, along with members of the Turathuna team, and the Director of the Library, Ms. Elizabeth D’souza welcomed them. Ms. Morcos explained […]

Yoga Session at Library

Student Cell Activity -YOGA in the Library Student Cell at BU Library entitled “Youth, the Leaders of Tomorrow” had an activity on the 12th of May 22 from 11 AM to 12 PM on the ground floor in the quiet study area. Student Cell member, Razan Miqdadi led students to a Yoga session which was […]

Be Kind to your Mind

The first student activity entitled “Be Kind to your Mind” was held on 7th April 2022 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM on the ground floor of the Library. Student cell member, Jalil Sayeh prepared the power point on “Be Kind to your Mind”, very informative and useful information on how to go about on […]

Rare Book at BU Library

This rare book written in English is entitled: “The Land Law of Palestine” and was published by Frederic M. Goadby and Moses J. Doukhan, Palestine, 1935.In 1927 the Palestine Government commissioned to prepare a statement of the Land Law then in force in Palestine for the use of Officers engage in the work of Land […]

Women from AEI-Pax Christi visit the BU Library

Eighteen women from Arab Educational Institute – Pax Christi headed by Sumud Story House Coordinator Mrs. Claudette Mubarak visited the BU Library on the morning of Monday, March 28, 2022.  They were welcomed by the Turathuna team headed by Mary Morcos.  After orienting them with the different facilities of the Library they gathered at Turathuna […]

Rare Book at BU Library Titled “Bethlehem”

This rare book written in multi-languages is titled: “Bethlehem” and was published by Gerusalemme: Francescani, 1947. This book is really interesting because they mentioned different topics such as Bethlehem and its Holy places, St. Catherine’s parish church, the Casa Nova, and others….You can see more fascinating information inside the book. Readers and researchers can gain […]

Students of the Computational Sciences & Engineering Departments visit Library

A group of 27 first-year students, accompanied by Mr. Mohammed Abu Ayyash from the Department of Computational Sciences and Engineering visited the library, on 20 December 2021 at noon. Ms. Juana Juha welcomed the group and explained briefly about the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), the self-check-in/out machine (RFID Kiosk), library policies and procedures, and the different library […]

St. Joseph School – Class 3B Visits BU Library

A group of 25 students from St. Joseph School Class 3B visited the Turathna Center in the Library with their teachers Ms. Nadiya Hazboun and Ms. Routi El Massou on 17 November 2021 at 11:30 A.M. The Turathuna Team Members headed by Ms. Mary Morcos welcomed them, as Ms. Mirna Zoughbi explained to them about […]

St. Joseph School visit to Library

On the morning of Thursday, 18 November 2021, a group of 24 students from St. Joseph School visited BU Library accompanied by their teacher Mrs. Nadia Hazboun. The team welcomed the students and their teacher. Library staff Mirna Zoughbi explained the various services provided by the library to the students.  Responding to a request by […]

Biology Students Visit Library

On Thursday 18 November 2021, Ms. Valerie Rock welcomed a group of second-year students from the Biology Department to the Library and oriented them on the library services and facilities in order to encourage students to use the library and benefit from its resources.  The students toured the library and were given a demonstration about […]

Another Group of Hotel Management Students Visit Library

As a continuation of the arranged Library tour, Ms. Rania Abdel Nour visited the Library on the 11th of November 2021 with two groups of students of IATA and Hotel Management. The first group consisted of 9 students from second-year Hotel management and the second group was first-year IATA students. Elizabeth D’sousa, Director of the […]

Chemistry Students Visit the Library

As a follow-up of the Library Liaison Annual meeting with the faculty, Vera Koussa as a member of the LLT took the responsibility to approach Ms. Reem Zeitoun, Faculty of Chemistry, to bring her students to visit the Library.  On the 12th of November ’21, Ms. Reem came with her 29 Chemistry students to the Library. […]

Library Welcomes Travel Agency Management Students

As a follow up of the Library Liaison Annual meeting with the faculty, Ms. Elizabeth D’souza, Library Director planned with the team in charge to approach the faculty to bring in the students to the Library. Ms. Vera Koussa approached Ms. Rania Abdel Nour, Hotel Management, and arranged the Library Tour. On the 10th of […]

Nursing Students Visit Library

On the 10th of November ’21, Ms. Narmeen Qumsieh from the Nursing Department visited the Library with 47 first-year students. Ms. Elizabeth D’souza extended a warm welcome to Ms. Narmeen Qumsieh and her students. The Library staff Miral explained at the garden level all the journals and periodicals that can be used by the students. […]

Dr. Bilal Salameh with his Students visit Library

Dr.  Bilal Salameh, from the Department of Social Science, visited the Library on the 10th of November ’21 with 55 students for a Library tour. Ms. Elizabeth D’souza, Library Director, extended a warm welcome Dr. Bilal and his students, and then Ms. Vera Koussa explained the Library services and facilities to the students. Dr. Bilal […]

The library welcomes Ms. Maram Daboub and her students

Ms. Elizabeth D’souza, the Library Director approached Ms. Maram Daboub and expressed her desire to see the students in the library and arranged the Library tour with her. On the 9th of November’21, Ms. Maram Daboub from the English Department came with a group of 39 first-year students for the Library tour. The library staff […]

Library Liaison Annual Meeting

The Annual Library Liaison meeting took place on 28th October’21 from 11:00 AM -12:00 PM in the Garden Level of the Library – L005. Ms. Elizabeth D’souza, Library Director, welcomed Fr. Iyad Twal and all the representatives of different departments to the meeting. Dr. Irene Hazou expressed her desire to attend but could not make […]

BU Ancient Archives: 7,832 Pages Scanned and Stored

The Project of “OpenKM – Document Management System Software” started towards the end of Sept. 2020 with the EIS team (Enterprise Information System Unit). Jihad Najajreh and Francis Sleibi introduced it to the library staff and helped in teaching and monitoring until the staff got hold of it. A library team of three persons – Sr. Rose, Miral and […]

Instructions for students during the Coronavirus

The library is open from Monday-Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.  Students must wear the mask throughout their presence in the library. NO Mask NO Entry. On entering the library on the left-hand side, provisions are made to sanitize hands. Students are requested to fill in the log sheet, which is located at the […]

New Library Director

We would like to welcome Ms. ELIZABETH D’SOUZA, a member of the Teresian Association, as the new Library Director of Bethlehem University for the academic year 2020-2021. If you would like to be in touch with her, the contact details are: Email:  edsouza@bethlehem.edu Office number is ext. 2024. Our warm congratulatory wishes to Elizabeth as we bid […]

Book dates to 1907 at BU Library

The Historical Geography of the Holy Land: especially in relation to the history of Israel and of the early Church by George Adam Smith, D.D. (a short overview) This rare book on its 4th edition dated MCMVII (1907) published by Hodder and Stoughton, London, offers the readers an interesting treatise on the history of Palestine […]

Bethlehem University Education Alumna Brings Her Elementary Pupils to the Library

“Sowing Hope, Touching Hearts” Ms. Nour Al-Madboh, a 1996 Education graduate of Bethlehem University, along with her co-teacher, ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Mr. Mohammad Sadek has come to the University Library on two occasions to orient their young pupils with what a learning resource center is all about. The young third-grade pupils were toured around the Library, noiselessly, as they […]

Opening Renovated Bethlehem University Library

On February 24th the  renovated University Library yesterday was festively opened in the presence of  the International Board of Regents and the Board of Trustees as well as Mr. Thomas Staal, the USAID-ASHA representative. H.E. Excellency Giuseppe Lazzarotto, the Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine was also present, as well as His Beautitude Fouad Twal, the […]