BROWARD COUNTY, FL -  Broward County Library (BCL) has been selected as one of 40 libraries nationally to participate in the Yiddish Book Center's Public Libraries Program, beginning March 23, 2026, at the Marta-Beth Friedman Stirling Road Branch Library, 3151 Stirling Road, Hollywood, FL 33312. 

The series, "Between Two Worlds: Exploring Jewish Culture and Religion through Yiddish Literature," will discuss three notable Yiddish titles (in translation) along with a fourth title, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, selected because of its literary merit, expansive reach across diverse audiences and significant influence on modern American literature.

Through this program, the Yiddish Book Center provides grants, resources and training to public libraries across the country to host reading groups and related programming to explore how Yiddish literature can provide a springboard for powerful conversations about religion, assimilation, identity, and immigration. 

The book discussion series will be held Sundays from 1:30 to 2:30PM.

• Tevye the Dairyman by Sholem Aleichem (translated by Aliza Shevrin)
  March 23 - Register 
• The Zelmenyaners: A Family Saga by Moyshe Kulbak (translated by Hillel Halkin)
  June 22 - Register
• A Jewish Refugee in New York by Kadya Molodowsky (translated by Anita Norich) 
  August 24, Register
• The Color Purple by Alice Walker
  October 26 - Register

"We are excited for this wonderful opportunity to bring more Yiddish literature to our community," said Broward County Library Director Allison Grubbs. "We can't wait to host meaningful discussions around the three Yiddish texts and our chosen book, The Color Purple. We will also be offering related programs for the entire community."

All programs are free and open to everyone. Space is limited; registration is requested to save your place at each session. The book selections are available to borrow through the BCL catalog, and personal copies to keep will be available to registrants at the Marta-Beth Friedman Stirling Road Branch, free of charge, while supplies last.

This series is presented as part of the Yiddish Book Center's Public Library Program, a partnership with the American Library Association, made possible by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

For more information and a calendar of upcoming events, please visit www.broward.org/library or contact Desiree Roland at droland@broward.org or 954-357-7550.

Broward County Libraries Division, named 2020 and 2015 Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association, was founded in 1974 and is one of the largest and busiest library systems in Florida. Broward County Libraries Division's 37 locations provide convenient access to a full range of innovative and cost-effective services that satisfy the changing needs of the people of Broward County for information, education and recreation. Visit our website, Broward.org/Library, or follow Libraries on Facebook and X.