Yiddish Book Center 2025 Public LIbraries Program Grants

Deadline: July 14, 2025.

The Yiddish Book Center’s Public Libraries Program brings Yiddish literature in translation to public libraries across the U.S. to deepen their engagement with Yiddish literature and Jewish life, religion, and culture, and to foster vibrant cross-cultural dialogue and discussion in their communities.

Each year, the Center works with 40 public libraries. The current theme is Between Two Worlds: Exploring Jewish Culture and Religion through Yiddish Literature. Selected libraries will:

• Send one librarian or reading group facilitator to a 3-day workshop, Nov. 2-4, 2025, at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts. All travel, lodging, and meal costs will be provided.
• Organize a reading group to discuss three books of Yiddish literature in translation (provided by the Yiddish Book Center) as well as one book related to a community served by their library. In 2025-2026, the Yiddish titles will be: 
• Tevye the Dairyman by Sholem Aleichem (translated by Aliza Shevrin) 
• The Zelmenyaners: A Family Saga by Moyshe Kulbak (translated by Hillel Halkin) 
• A Jewish Refugee in New York by Kadya Molodowsky (translated by Anita Norich)
• Receive reimbursement for a fourth book that speaks to the library's community.  
• Receive reading guides and other materials related to the Yiddish titles, and access to virtual programs, such as webinars, pre-recorded interviews, live book talks, and virtual field trips.
• Receive up to $2,000 for guest speakers or library programming related to the titles. A list of potential guest speakers will be provided. 
• Join an online community of librarians and facilitators for discussion, advice, and collaboration.
• Be eligible to host a small, specially curated traveling exhibit on the history of Yiddish and its role in Jewish life, religion, and culture. 

Libraries may structure the reading group in a way that best serves their users. For example, the titles may be incorporated into an existing reading group/book club, or a new group may be created. Titles may be discussed in a single program session or spread over multiple sessions.

Applicant organizations should be U.S. public libraries. Libraries from every region of the country, both urban and rural, in areas with and without Jewish communities, have participated and found the program valuable for encouraging conversations on complex issues that affect all our communities.

For more information and a link to the online application, visit the website.