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Commemorate the Holocaust Through the Exploration of Fiction and Nonfiction Writings with Your Library
About Blog Post
Jan 10, 2023
by SCLSNJ
International Holocaust Remembrance Day will be commemorated on Friday, January 27, 2023. The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) will be highlighting this day by presenting several programs exploring the traumas and horrors of the Holocaust both through works of fiction as well as nonfiction.
On Wednesday, January 11 from 7-8 p.m., author Lucy Adlington will virtually discuss her historical fiction tale, “The Dressmakers of Auschwitz: The True Story of the Women Who Sewed to Survive.”
“The Dressmakers of Auschwitz” is a story of twenty-five young inmates who were selected to design, cut, and sew beautiful fashions for elite Nazi women. The womens’ bonds of family and friendship helped them endure persecution as well as helped them play a part in the resistance movement.
"As a child, libraries and their treasure trove of books opened my mind to endless new worlds, both fantastical and historical,” said Adlington. “Now, as a writer, I am delighted to play my part in sharing important stories with readers.”
Continued Adlington, “There are always more voices to lift from obscurity. 'The Dressmakers of Auschwitz' highlights a grotesque world of greed and suffering, but thanks to one humane and resilient group of young women, it is also a world of beauty and unbreakable bonds of friendship."
On Tuesday, January 24 from 7-8 p.m., author and professor Peter Hayes will virtually discuss his comprehensive book, “Why? Explaining the Holocaust.” The book, which was featured in the PBS documentary, "The U.S. and the Holocaust," challenges misconceptions and discusses the tragedy through scholarly research.
"America’s public libraries are national treasures,” said Hayes. “I benefited greatly from mine growing up in Framingham, Massachusetts, and they are even more important today in an age of mass disinformation.”
Continued Hayes, “The study of the Holocaust is also painfully relevant to our time and place, so I cannot imagine a better use of my time and energy than talking about this subject in this setting."
"Every year, when Holocaust Remembrance Day finds its place on our calendars, we are reminded of an unimaginable time in human history,” said Darryl Voorhees, manager of adult services programming and collaborations. “As difficult as it is to contemplate the horrors of the Holocaust, it is our duty never to forget and honor those who lost friends, family, and their own lives. By confronting these demons, we also help to ensure they are kept as firmly in the past as possible."
To learn more about these programs or for questions about the Library System, call (908) 458-8400. To discover all SCLSNJ has to offer, visit SCLSNJ.org or connect with SCLSNJ on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.