AN important exhibition to commemorate the lives of Jewish children during the Holocaust is on display at Warrington Library.

To coincide with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the free display – called No Child’s Play – focuses on toys and games that children played with during the Second World War.

And it explains how these toys helped to keep the children’s emotional lives together at a time when their family life was disintegrating.

Emma Hutchinson, managing director of LiveWire, said: “We are honoured to host this important and poignant exhibition at Central Library, even more so as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

“It is thanks to exhibitions such as No Child’s Play that we are able to understand more about and remember those affected by the Holocaust, and to learn important lessons from it.”

Cabinet member responsible for culture, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “By focusing on images of toys and games, this exhibition provides an important insight into Jewish children’s lives as they struggled to survive and maintain their childhood in the face of the atrocities taking place around them.

“I would urge everyone to visit central library to see this exhibition for themselves - to commemorate the lives of all those who suffered and died during the Holocaust and to reflect on the humanity, creativity and innocence that remained in children’s hearts even in the darkest of times.”

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Tony Higgins, the council’s cabinet member for leisure and community, said: “It’s vital that the Holocaust is never forgotten.

“We all have a responsibility to remember and to teach future generations about the atrocities.

“The No Child’s Play exhibition tells some of the stories of the Holocaust in a hugely impactful and poignant way, by looking at it through the eyes of children.

“I’m very pleased that we have secured this important exhibition for our Central Library, giving Warrington’s communities the opportunity to learn more about the experiences of children during the Holocaust and serving as a powerful reminder that we must all stand together against hatred in all its forms.”

The exhibition, organised by LiveWire’s community librarian team in collaboration with the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem and the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, runs until Wednesday.

Entry is free for all during opening hours. School classes can be accommodated but booking in advance is essential.

  •  Call central library on 442889 for more information on the exhibition. For more information on LiveWire Libraries visit livewirelibraries.co.uk