Yiddish Book Center – Amherst, Massachusetts

Located on the campus of Hampshire College and near the Eric Carle Museum is another center devoted to books. Unlike the children’s books and picture books of the former, however, this place houses perhaps the largest collection of material in New England devoted to preserving the Yiddish language and culture.

The history of the Yiddish Book Center began in 1980 with Yiddish literature graduate student Aaron Lansky. During his studies, he noticed that many priceless and irreplaceable Yiddish books were being discarded by American-born Jews who could not read the language of their Yiddish-speaking ancestors. Lansky set out to save these books, and when the center opened, scholars estimated that there were about 70,000 Yiddish books left worldwide that could be saved.

Lansky founded a network of volunteer book collectors called Zamlers and within six months, the center’s staff exceeded the estimated number, securing over a million volumes from around the world. Some books were donated by their original owners, while others were saved from destruction by being salvaged from demolition sites and dumpsters. The center continues to receive thousands of books each year, and the collection continues to grow.

Yiddish was the primary language of European Jews for centuries and was nearly eradicated after World War II and the exodus of Jews to other parts of the world. The center contains not only Yiddish books, but also films, music, artwork, artifacts and much more. Whether you speak Yiddish, are learning it, or are someone interested in the language or culture, the center welcomes all.