Farmers Weekly Review

The Joliet Public Library is partnering with the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago to bring the Violins of Hope exhibit in August and September to the Ottawa Street Branch in downtown Joliet.

Violins of Hope is an international sensation that showcases Jewish stories of resilience, resistance and unity through the power of musical performance.

Six Holocaust-era violins will be on display in the lower level of the library from August 8-September 7. These violins are part of a private collection which were lovingly restored and played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust.

“We are honored to bring this exhibit to our library and community,” said Megan Millen, Executive Director of the Joliet Public Library. “Patrons will have the opportunity to view these instruments and learn about the powerful stories behind them.”

The opening night of the exhibit is on August 8 at 6 p.m. and will feature members of the Hufford Honors Orchestra, and guest speaker, Pastor Chris Edmonds. Pastor Edmonds is the son of WWII hero Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds, whose fearless bravery saved the lives of more than 200 Jewish American soldiers in a prisoner of war camp in Germany. The public is invited to attend, and no registration is required.

Bringing Violins of Hope to Illinois is made possible through significant funding from Front Row Sponsors: MacArthur Foundation, Jelmar LLC, The Walder Charitable Fund, and Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library.

“Through hands-on experiences of performance, learning about their unique stories, and thinking into the future with the powerful knowledge of the ability of the human spirit to overcome hate and evil, we aspire to make a difference for all who experience this amazing project,” said Ilene Uhlmann, JCC Chicago’s Director of Community Engagement and Violins of Hope.

The library will also be hosting a program in partnership with Joliet Jewish Congregation on August 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ottawa Street Branch. More information will be on the library’s website, jolietlibrary.org, as more details become available.

For more information, visit https://jolietlibrary.org/ or call 815-740-2660. Library hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-90 p.m., Friday–Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.