FAQ: "Stories of Exile" Reading Groups for Public Libraries 2023

Who should apply to this program?
Applications will be accepted only from public libraries throughout the United States and its territories, not from individuals, organizations, or other types of libraries.

What is the application deadline?
You may submit an online application until the application deadline of Friday, August 19, 2022. Late applications will not be accepted. Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be reviewed. Applicants will be notified of decisions by Friday, September 30, 2022.

How would I receive the books for our reading group participants?
The Yiddish Book Center will purchase and ship all books directly to participating libraries by December 15, 2022.

I am a seasoned reading group facilitator. Is the workshop mandatory?
Yes. Each library will be required to send one discussion facilitator to the workshop for a more detailed orientation to Yiddish literature in translation and its relevance to the program theme. This will also be an opportunity for each facilitator to make connections between the provided reading list and the book about a community their library serves.

When is the workshop?
The workshop will take place January 23-25, 2023. Each library’s discussion facilitator should plan to arrive by the morning of Monday, January 23, 2023 so that we can provide a productive and engaging workshop experience for all attendees.

What would the workshop cost me?
All travel, lodging, and meal costs will be covered by the Yiddish Book Center for each library’s discussion facilitator.

I would like to invite a guest speaker for a public program at my library. Can the Yiddish Book Center help me find a guest speaker?
Yes, we will be available to provide advice on selecting a speaker. We also ask that participating libraries provide the Yiddish Book Center with the details of the guest speaker program at least 30 days in advance of the event so that we may include it in our own calendar of events.

When should the reading groups take place?
The programming period runs from February 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. Participating libraries must complete an online final report within 30 days of the conclusion of their final reading group, to help the Yiddish Book Center evaluate its programs and to provide a basis for further follow-up with each library.

"Stories of Exile" Reading Groups for Public Libraries is made possible by a gift from Sharon Karmazin.