Arts, Culture, Humanities : Libraries, Historical Societies and Landmark Preservation
National Yiddish Book Center
Rescuing books, inspiring readers
cold and cruel
Posted by Ira | May 29, 2008 5:45:43 AM
I have to agree with the person above. Unless you enjoy being bombarded with the pointless, self-promoting ramblings of a failed personality cult, this is one organization to avoid. I initially joined after I donated my mother's books, but was I ever sorry. All I got was, as my mother would say, tzuris. One "urgent appeal" after another promoting events at its headquarters or simply raising money for purposes that were very fuzzy. I finally canceled my "membership" after they decided to build another building just a few years after I thought they had built one.
Overall, a terrible disappointment of a charity that once claimed a noble mission, but now seems to do nothing but promote Lansky's image. I can't imagine how much they must have spent sending all of us members Lansky's smug and egotistical book, but that was yet another predicable straw that helped turn me off to what should be renamed something more appropriate like, The Lansky Center, for example.
Not so warm and fuzzy
Posted by Maven | April 24, 2008 1:14:08 PM
The NYBC has raised millions by cultivating a warm and fuzzy image, exemplified by its charming founder, Mr. Lansky. However, I and many people with whom I have spoken regret having been taken in by this image. The moment you have written your check, you are no one to them. Now I see that their efficiency rating is very poor. From now on, my Jewish philanthropy will be focused on the American Jewish Committee, which works not only on behalf of Jews and Israel, but also leads the way in promoting alternative energy sources, medical research, and human rights around the world. (They are highly rated for efficiency, too.)
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Big Picture
Posted by M. Sofer | November 25, 2008 8:44:59 AM
I had to comment after reading the negative comments above. I have been a member for 20 years. Yes, there are constant fundraising letters, and the infastructure has grown and grown. I am very proud of the accomplishment of collecting an entire culture's literature, scanning and saving it electronicaly, making the books available to universities worldwide, and (ultimately) putting it all online. These are measurable results that will outlast Lansky and even the buildings in Amherst, and worth investing in.