Yiddish Book Center

Right on the campus of Hampshire College, sits this cultural gem dedicated to the preservation and advancement of Yiddish, the mother tongue for European Jews for over 1000 years. Started in the 70’s in an Holyoke warehouse by founder Aaron Lansky and a cadre of volunteers, today’s NYBC is part museum, part art gallery, part meeting place/​cultural center. The current building is in a former apple orchard and hosts many cultural events. I was an intern here and had a great summer schlepping books. There’s a museum in the front about the history of Yiddish and even the last Yiddish linotype (printing press) from Der Forverts. Yiddish books are all for sale and there’s a great English language book store on hand with a terrific selection of Judaica, knick knacks, and of course books. Worth a trip for the whole micschpokhe. They even offer Yiddish classes, work shops, and a host of other offering. Check out the website for more,