The Northwest Reno Library is one of 50 U.S. libraries selected to host Americans and the Holocaust, a traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum that examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s.
The touring library exhibition — based on the special exhibition of the same name at the Museum in Washington, D.C. — will travel to U.S. libraries from 2020 to 2026.
“We are honored to provide access to the Americans and the Holocaust exhibition,” said Library Director Jeff Scott. “At a time when there are rising incidents of antisemitism, exhibitions like these are an essential reminder of what happens when hate goes unchecked. We thank the American Library Association and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for providing support of this exhibition. We would also like to thank the Nevada Center for Humanity and the University of Nevada, Reno for their support of our programming for this exhibition.”
Americans and the Holocaust will be on display at The Northwest Reno Library, along with a series of related special events, from July 7 to August 18, 2023.
Based on extensive new research of that period, Americans and the Holocaust addresses important themes in American history, exploring the many factors — including the Great Depression, isolationism, xenophobia, racism and antisemitism — that influenced decisions made by the U.S. government, the news media, organizations and individuals as they responded to Nazism. This exhibition will challenge the commonly held assumptions that Americans knew little and did nothing about the Nazi persecution and murder of Jews as the Holocaust unfolded.
Drawing on a remarkable collection of primary sources from the 1930s and ’40s, the exhibition focuses on the stories of individuals and groups of Americans who took action in response to Nazism. It will challenge visitors to consider the responsibilities and obstacles faced by individuals — from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to ordinary Americans — who made difficult choices, sought to effect change, and, in a few cases, took significant risks to help victims of Nazism even as rescue never became a government priority.
In addition to the traveling exhibition on loan, the Northwest Reno Library received a cash grant to support public programs. The grant also covered one library staff member’s attendance at an orientation workshop at the Museum.
For more information about Americans and the Holocaust and related programming at Washoe County Library visit washoecountylibrary.us/holocaustexhibit. To learn more about the exhibition, visit ushmm.org/americans-ala.
Americans and the Holocaust: A Traveling Exhibition for Libraries is an educational initiative of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association.
Americans and the Holocaust was made possible by the generous support of lead sponsor Jeannie & Jonathan Lavine. Additional major funding was provided by the Bildners — Joan & Allen z”l, Elisa Spungen & Rob, Nancy & Jim; and Jane and Daniel Och. The Museum’s exhibitions are also supported by the Lester Robbins and Sheila Johnson Robbins Traveling and Special Exhibitions Fund, established in 1990.
Additional programming support was made possible, in part, by the Nevada Center for Humanity and the University of Nevada, Reno.
About the Northwest Reno Library
Opened in June 1999, the award-winning, 30,000-square-foot Northwest Reno Library offers a broad collection of resources, computer technology, and multi-generational programs to enhance personal enrichment and to support lifelong learning.
This library’s growing collection, approximately 95,000 items in a variety of formats, includes the Shia Szrut Holocaust Studies Memorial Collection, which contains literature on the Holocaust of World War II for teachers, students, and the public. For more information, visit washoecountylibrary.us/libraries/northwest-reno.php.
About the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires leaders and citizens worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. The Museum’s far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors. For more information, visit ushmm.org.
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.
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