By Morgen White | FāVS News
Spokane Public Library is one of nearly 40 libraries across the United States to receive a grant from the Yiddish Book Center for the purpose of participating in its Public Libraries Program.
The YBC is dedicated to recovering, preserving, teaching and celebrating Yiddish literature and culture to advance a fuller understanding of Jewish history and identity, according to Susan Bronson, president of the Yiddish Book Center.
“To me, the library program is the perfect example of one way of doing this. It’s one way among many that we’re trying to bring the culture to life for different audiences,” she said.
The center partners with public libraries across the country, in collaboration with the American Library Association, to bring Yiddish literature to the local library community. The 2025-2026 theme is “Between Two Worlds: Exploring Jewish Culture and Religion through Yiddish Literature.”
This includes sending a librarian from each selected library to join a three-day workshop. The librarians are given a tour of the Yiddish Book Center and educated about Yiddish religion and culture as well as on the program’s selected books.
“Some might come from Jewish Yiddish speaking families, while others, absolutely none. We want to give everybody this sort of broad introduction to Yiddish and also the whole cultural constellation that it represents,” Bronson said.
For Becky Mace, the SPL librarian who went to YBC, the workshop was filled with new experiences.
“It was the first time I’ve ever traveled for work, so I was super nervous, and then I got there and just had the time of my life,” Mace said. “They just made it such a warm and welcoming environment. … I didn’t know anything about Yiddish culture or language before I went there, and I left with such an appreciation for it.”
The 2025-2026 reading list includes: “Tevye the Dairyman” by Sholem Aleichem (translated by Aliza Shevrin), “The Zelmenyaners: A Family Saga” by Moyshe Kulbak (translated by Hillel Halkin), and “A Jewish Refugee in New York” by Kadya Molodowsky (translated by Anita Norich). The fourth book is chosen by the local librarian, aligning with the theme, while being flexible to relate the material to their own community.
Mace chose “Salt Houses” by Hala Alyan, which also happened to be on the suggested book list that was provided by the Yiddish Book Center.
“It’s a beautiful novel, and it’s about the refugee experience and also the immigration experience,” Mace said, noting she’s volunteered with refugee organizations locally. “A big part of what the branch is doing is introducing Yiddish culture to people, and it’s also showing that there’s universal experience, especially for people who are refugees.”
Yiddish Book Center Public Libraries Program
The Public Libraries Program began on a small scale in 2020 before dramatically expanding due to a grant provided by the Lilly Endowment Inc. in 2024. Bronson was behind the project’s conception but said the construct isn’t unique.
“The American Library Association has run similar types of programs with other organizations over the years. I looked at that as a bit of a model, and originally reached out to the American Library Association to help us promote the program even back in 2020,” Bronson said.
SPL is among the first cohort to participate in the expanded program, and the grant will continue to fund two more cohorts. Bronson said in their final year they will have an evaluation on the program’s impact, and what its evolution will look like.
“We hope we can dispel stereotypes, and I hope it’s a way of creating dialogue and a deeper understanding of Jewish people and Jewish life. It’s an opportunity to do that in the perfect environment — a public library,” Bronson said.
What’s next for SPL events
Alina Murcar has been working for Spokane Public Library for over four years as the marketing and communications manager.
“I make sure the community knows what is offered as a result of this grant. Book clubs, there’s a concert and film screening. I put all of this together in a package that the community can look at, feel proud of and want to partake in,” Murcar said.
The first event kicks off with a virtual book club discussion about “A Jewish Refugee in New York” by Kadya Molodowsky on March 25. While the virtual book club was established four years prior to the grant, the next two will feature books from the program’s list.
While many events are already on the SPL calendar, Mace said there’s still more to come.
“I think that it is the most beautiful thing when I see a whole bunch of cultures and religions coming together to celebrate each other. And that it’s something I’m able to support in my capacity at the library. I personally love when the community comes together and flourishes because of our differences, not in spite of it,” Murcar said.
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