There are public libraries available in Israel. They are by law required to be free. This law was put into effect in the 1970s but it has not yet been implemented and the public libraries do charge for their services. Borrowers have to pay an annual fee for taking out books, although anybody can come in and use the libraries.

The public libraries are generally quite small and they do not have the range of documentation available in American libraries. They also don't have the range of types of resources that is available in American libraries. Basically, you can expect to have print materials and some other materials but the selection is close to dismal.

What does that mean as far as you are concerned?

Instead of complaining about the situation, be aware that you were forewarned and you know what to expect.

Bring along your own books. Any technical or professional materials that you might need should be brought from the United States. Granted, these will become outdated and they will have to be replaced but you can do whatever is possible at this stage.

Learn after you've arrived in Israel to shop in used book stores. They sometimes have books that are priced reasonably and you might be able to find what you need there. Be aware that a book that is priced reasonably means that it is equal to or slightly less than the list price in the United States. The new book stores charge considerably more than the list price.

Learn how to purchase books online in order to increase your own personal library.

Accept the fact that your personal library is going to be a major resource and that you are going to have to buy what you need rather than borrowing it. This means that the cost of living in Israel just increased by the books that you are using.

If you do visit the United States or other western countries from time to time, you should stop in at some book stores in order to update your library.

Join a reading club in order to exchange non-professional or pleasure reading books.