Libraries have always been among the first targets marked for destruction by an invading enemy. Throughout history unsung heroes have given their all to protect, and save for prosperity, the books in their care.
David Fleishman has given us a well-documented, fascinating book about the men and women who saved many of the most valuable Jewish and Yiddish books in Vilnius, Poland. They were called ‘The Paper Brigade’ and they managed to save Torahs, historical records, and art from Nazi, and later Soviet, destruction in WWII.
The Jewish community in Vilnius valued books. The Strasham Library was built next door to the synagogue and remained open seven days a week, including the Sabbath and holidays. The library was well known and people contributed valuable items from all over Poland, Europe and the world. Before the war the library held over 40,000 items.
The Paper Brigade eventually managed to save over 20,000 items, at the cost of several dedicated lives.
The book is well written, full of information and will leave you in awe of those who risked so much to keep the books from being stolen and/or destroyed. It should also remind us of how powerful books are.
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Sounds like a fascinating and important book to read.