May 18, 2026

R-CCC Library hosts training for area librarians ahead of Americans and the Holocaust exhibition

                                                                       

AHOSKIE, NC–– Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s (R-CCC) Library welcomed area librarians to campus for a training session on May 7 in preparation for the upcoming Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibition, which will open later this summer.

R-CCC is one of 50 U.S. libraries, and the only library in North Carolina for the 2024-2026 season, selected to host Americans and the Holocaust, a traveling exhibition from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association. The exhibition examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s.

R-CCC President Dr. Murray J. Williams welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of collaboration across the region.

“Today’s gathering marks an exciting milestone for Roanoke-Chowan Community College,” Williams said. “We are honored to host the Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibition. This luncheon is an opportunity to share information, begin conversations and explore ways we might collaborate to extend the impact of the exhibition across our campuses and our communities.”

During the session, Director of Library Services Carol Anne Hankinson provided an overview of the exhibition, which will run from Aug. 22 through Sept. 25, 2026, at the R-CCC Library. She outlined the highly competitive grant application process that ultimately secured the exhibition for the college, as well as the planning efforts involved in bringing the nationally recognized display to campus.

“We are honored to have been chosen from such a strong national pool of applicants to host this impactful exhibition,” said Hankinson. “With the exhibit arriving in August, we are collaborating with local schools and community partners to create a meaningful and educational experience. It encourages visitors to consider not only ‘What would I have done?’ but also ‘What will I do moving forward?’”

Hankinson also reviewed the exhibit layout, key themes and talking points for participating libraries. In addition, she shared details about planned guest speakers, community programs and events scheduled throughout the exhibition period, along with training information for docents who will guide visitors through the experience.

The exhibition spans approximately 1,100 square feet and draws on primary sources from the 1930s and 1940s to explore how factors such as the Great Depression, isolationism, xenophobia, racism and antisemitism influenced American responses to the Holocaust.

As part of the training, Hankinson encouraged local libraries to partner with R-CCC by:

· Inviting patrons and community members to visit the exhibition

· Participating in a Day of Remembrance on Sept. 1 through book displays, moments of silence or other reflective activities

· Referring interested individuals to R-CCC Library staff to serve as volunteer docents by Aug. 1

· Encouraging middle and high school groups to schedule tours

· Promoting the exhibition through flyers and “Save the Date” bookmarks provided in outreach packets

“Being selected to host this exhibition is both exciting and deeply meaningful for our college and community,” Hankinson said. “It provides an opportunity to foster thoughtful conversations about history, responsibility and civic engagement, while encouraging visitors to reflect on how the lessons of the past can shape actions in the present and future.”

For more information about Americans and the Holocaust and related programming at the R-CCC Library, visit https://libguides.roanokechowan.edu/home or contact Hankinson at 252-862-1240. To learn more about the exhibition, visit ushmm.org/americans-ala.

Americans and the Holocaust: A Traveling Exhibition for Libraries is an educational initiative of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association. The traveling exhibition began by touring to 50 U.S. libraries from 2021 to 2023; due to widespread interest from libraries and communities around the country, a second tour was developed for 2024 to 2026.

Americans and the Holocaust was made possible by the generous support of lead sponsor Jeannie & Jonathan Lavine. Additional major funding was provided by the Bildners — Joan & Allen z”l, Elisa Spungen & Rob, Nancy & Jim, and Jane and Daniel Och. The Museum's exhibitions are also supported by the Lester Robbins and Sheila Johnson Robbins Traveling and Special Exhibitions Fund, established in 1990.

 

About the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

A nonpartisan, federal educational institution, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America’s national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust dedicated to ensuring the permanence of Holocaust memory, understanding and relevance. Through the power of Holocaust history, the Museum challenges leaders and individuals worldwide to think critically about their role in society and to confront antisemitism and other forms of hate, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. For more information, visit ushmm.org.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org

 

 

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission

Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243