ALBUQUERQUE - Showcasing thousands of genocide-related materials, the Silvian Library and Study Center’s grand opening is set for Sat., Sept. 21st, at the Holocaust and Intolerance Museum of New Mexico. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., followed by lectures at noon and 2 p.m.

The compilation of more than 4,500 books, documents and videos is the result of 12 years of collection, two years of data entry and countless volunteer hours. The selection includes Holocaust materials, children’s books, detailed histories of the Rwandan genocide, and more.

In addition, the center, also called the Library of Remembrance, will host on-going lectures, research accommodations, and children’s clinics providing history lessons, the dangers of bullying, and the importance of kindness. Guest lecturers Susan Schadl, University of New Mexico History Librarian, and Barbara Druxman, a Holocaust studies scholar, will speak at the grand opening.

A grant from the Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation, Inc., helped make the library possible. Additional financial support came from the Weinbaum Family in Corrales, Rainbow Roadrunner Car Club and Congregation Albert Sisterhood. Museum officials say they are grateful to both the volunteers and financial supporters for making the library a reality.

“You couldn’t ask for more dedicated people,” said Jerry Small, a museum representative. “We truly appreciate their service in building what we hope will be a wonderful resource for the community.”

A beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of New Mexico, the museum is located at 616 Central Avenue SW near the historic El Rey Theatre. Regular days and hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information call 505-247-0606.
Read more about the opening in the September edition of The New Mexico Jewish Link, page 10: http://www.jewishnewmexico.org/docs/the_link/sep_2013.pdf.