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CHICAGO – The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) Public Programs Office, in collaboration with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, invites libraries to apply to host Americans and the Holocaust, a traveling exhibition that examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s.

Following a highly successful tour to 50 libraries from 2021 to 2023, the exhibition will now be available to 50 additional public and academic (i.e., college and university) libraries from 2024 to 2026.

Libraries in communities with a demonstrated interest in and need for quality Holocaust education are especially encouraged to apply. Read the project guidelines and by October 14, 2023.

Drawing on a remarkable collection of primary sources from the 1930s and ’40s, the exhibition examines how individuals and groups in American society — from the government, military, nonprofit organizations, media, and general public — responded to Nazism and genocide. The Museum and ¾«¶«´«Ã½PPO hope to challenge people to not only ask “what would I have done?” but also, “what will I do?”

Selected libraries will receive:

• The 1,100-square-foot exhibition on loan for five to six weeks;
• A $3,000 allowance to support public programs;
• Expenses paid for a library staff member to attend an orientation workshop (May 15-16, 2024 ) at the Museum in Washington, D.C.; and
• Publicity materials, programming resources, ongoing support from the Museum and the ALA, and more.

Grantees must meet minimum programming and reporting requirements. See the project guidelines for details.

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 & 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.

About the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

A nonpartisan, federal educational institution, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America’s national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust dedicated to ensuring the permanence of Holocaust memory, understanding and relevance. Through the power of Holocaust history, the Museum challenges leaders and individuals worldwide to think critically about their role in society and to confront antisemitism and other forms of hate, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. For more information, visit ushmm.org.

About the ¾«¶«´«Ã½

The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (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 ¾«¶«´«Ã½has 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.