JWI’s newest children’s library was dedicated in early November, marking the 33rd in JWI’s pledge to establish 100 children’s libraries in homeless and battered women’s shelters across the United States. The new Ida Kozatch Library is housed at Gateway Battered Women’s Services in Aurora, Colorado.

The Ida Kozatch Library was generously donated by Rivka Yerushalmi, Kozatch’s daughter, in honor of Kozatch, who passed away last April.  Yerushalmi first encountered the NLI a few years ago while attending JWI’s Women to Watch gala event in Washington, DC. When Kozatch passed away, Yerushalmi decided to honor her memory with a children’s library for at-risk children in the city in which she was born and lived her life.

In addition to the books that JWI regularly donates to its libraries, Yerushalmi, a librarian, carefully picked out hundreds more to donate in memory of her mother. These books include current popular children’s books and childhood favorites that Yerushalmi remembers her mother reading to her. Yerushalmi also donated books for the shelter counselors to use as supportive materials when dealing with difficult cases. Each of these books has bookplate to remind the reader that it was donated in Ida Kozatch’s honor.

More than 50 people attended the library dedication, including many relatives of Yerushalmi and Kozatch, and shelter board members, volunteers, staff and residents. The library houses more than 1,000 books, child- and adult-sized rocking chairs, and a colorful carpet, creating a comfortable space for the children at the shelter to learn and grow. Three times a week, the library houses the shelter’s therapy groups for children.

“The library offers our clients a place in the shelter where they can relax, be comfortable and forget about what is going on in their lives.  Books are an avenue of escape and adventure,” said Jeneen Klippel-Worden, director of development and public relations at Gateway Battered Women's Services. “In addition, it is nice to be able to give the children books to take with them.  Many of them are going to a place where they are literally starting over and have nothing.  The books they receive through this program may be one of the few items they will have.  The staff and board of directors of Gateway Battered Women's Services are so grateful for this gift.  It is a wonderful addition to our shelter.”

Read more about the Yerushalmi and the library in Jewish Woman magazine.