April 18, 2019

CONTACT:
Deborah Hakes, Georgia Public Library Service, dhakes@georgialibraries.org
David Schendowich, dschendowich@thebreman.org

The William Breman Museum of Jewish Heritage and Georgia Public Library Service are partnering on a statewide program.

Patrons can now check out a Breman Family Pass from any of the 407 public libraries in Georgia. When checked out, just like any other library item, and taken to the Breman Museum, it is good for four free general admissions.

The Breman Museum has connected visitors and Georgia residents to the Jewish history, culture, and arts for over 20 years in the form of permanent exhibits, guided tours, programming for all ages, and immersive events featuring lectures and discussions with Holocaust survivors, and live events. Most recently, the museum is hosting the exhibition Inescapable:  The Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini, on display now through August 11.

Leslie Gordon, Director of The Breman Museum, remarks “The museum is delighted to have this new partnership with the Georgia Public Library Service. We look forward to giving access to our museum to families throughout the state of Georgia. This summer, families can enjoy our Houdini exhibition and related family programs and events.”

The partnership is not relegated to the Family Pass alone. Over the next year, 15 public libraries will host a travel banner exhibit based upon the Breman’s Eighteen Artifacts:  The Story of Jewish Atlanta which explores the history of Jews in Atlanta through artifacts, images, and oral histories

Susanne Katz, Director of Exhibitions, states “Jewish contributions to the history of Atlanta can be found in curious places. Be it the civil rights movement, Coca-Cola, Home Depot—Jewish figures were integral in the development of the Atlanta we know today.”

The Family Pass is one of eight library loan passes through Georgia Public Library Service that provides free or low cost educational and enrichment opportunities to Georgia residents. Strategic partnerships with places like Georgia State Parks, Carlos Museum, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Go Fish Center, Center for Puppetry Arts and more provide free programming for public library patrons while saving Georgia families more than $13 million in the last 10 years.

“Georgia’s public libraries are pleased to add this new partnership with the Breman Museum, continuing our commitment to opening the doors to Georgia’s rich cultural resources to families in every community,” said State Librarian Julie Walker.

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About the Georgia Public Library Service

The Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy, and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. GPLS is a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. www.georgialibraries.org #georgialibraries

About the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum

The Breman Museum, a preeminent cultural center in the Southeast, connects people of all backgrounds in understanding and appreciation of Jewish history, culture, and arts. Its midtown Atlanta location hosts a special, permanent Holocaust exhibition highlighting the resilience of local survivors, plus comprehensive archives on Southern Jewish History, the most extensive of their kind. The museum’s galleries are a showcase for exclusive exhibitions and compelling displays. Known for its events, concerts, lectures, genealogy resources, educational workshops, and enlightening tours for visitors of all ages, the Breman Museum welcomes the public to view its galleries Sunday through Thursday 10 AM – 5 PM and Friday 10 AM – 4 PM. https://www.thebreman.org/

This partnership is paid for in part by a grant to the Georgia Public Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Library Services and Technology Act.