Anne Frank, born 12 June 1929, was a Jewish girl who went into hiding with seven members of her family in Amsterdam during World War Two to escape persecution from the Nazis.
After more than two years in hiding, they were discovered and deported to concentration camps, where Anne died. Anne’s father, Otto Frank, was the only one to survive and afterwards published the diary Anne had kept while in hiding.
Parr Library marked the occasion in partnership with the Anne Frank Trust UK, an education charity that empowers young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to challenge all forms of prejudice and discrimination, using Anne Frank’s powerful life story and diary as a starting point.
The trust has been working with schools in and around St Helens, including Willow Tree Primary, with pupils attending the library event to read passages from Anne Frank’s diary and light candles in her memory, and for all victims of the Holocaust.
Newton-le-Willows resident Renee Risleir attended the Parr Library event to represent the generation Anne Frank belonged to. Known to library staff through their home delivery service, Renee recently celebrated her 90th birthday, and happily accepted an invitation to the event.
Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Libraries, said: “It was moving to see children and young people read passages from Anne’s diary, highlighting her youth and hope for the world, and the wretched fate she shared with so many other victims of the Holocaust.
“We’re really grateful for the work done by the Anne Frank Trust on this fantastic library event, ensuring Anne’s message of social justice and equality for all is still heard.”
