history

THE KEEPER OF STORIES

THE KEEPER OF STORIES is the moving retelling of a huge community response in New York City to a tragic fire at the Jewish Theological Seminary Library that occurred in 1966.

The fire reduced thousands of books to ash and left over 170,000 books waterlogged, in danger of being destroyed by mold.

A cadre of volunteers from all faiths, all walks of life, all neighborhoods in New York City, came together to restore these books by placing paper towels between the millions of pages in these books to dry them. The books were restored.

The Jewish Theological Seminary Library lives on today as the “keeper of stories” of Jewish life through history because of the community which came together to help, came together and by doing so became part of the stories.

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Everyone Will Be Free: Thomas Clarkson and the End of Slavery in the British Empire

In 1787, Thomas Clarkson, a twenty-five year old graduate of Cambridge University, brought together twelve men to form the Committee for the Abolition of the Slave Trade.
The Committee organized a movement within England that resulted in the abolition of both the slave trade and slavery in the British Empire in 1833. Thomas Clarkson was the driving force throughout the campaign.

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Review of TONY by Ed Galing, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Using the text of the beautiful poem, Tony, by Ed Galing, Caldecott medal recipient, Erin E. Stead, has illustrated a beautiful and inspiring picture book, TONY.

Tony is a steady, loving cart horse who helps his driver, young Tom Jones, deliver milk, butter and eggs in the early morning hours.

The poem beautifully embellished by Stead”s illustrations, creates a sense of peace and shared love in this simple but profoundly moving story.

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