The Librarian of Auschwitz

The Nazis would rather not waste an expensive bullet on Jews, but instead kill them by other more cost-effective means. They are brutal men, with no respect for life: “They look at death with the indifference of a grave digger” (1). What most of them don’t know is that in Block 31 of camp BIIB at Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, the Nazis have approved a family camp with a school. This is unheard of for Jewish prisoners; the Nazis usually take the children from their parents and kill them and have outlawed schooling for Jews. For some reason, the family camp exists and is headed by Fredy Hirsh who asks 14-year old Edita (Dita) to take over the role of librarian. When Dita learns there are eight books that have been smuggled into Block 31, she is surprised and overjoyed. She takes her job seriously, even risking her life.

One day, the person assigned as lookout races into the makeshift classroom of Block 31. Several SS guards are walking toward the school for an inspection, among them, the feared Joseph Mengele. Pandemonium and chaos ensue. The teachers, who have books, are anguished. Edita grabs the books from them and quickly hides them under her dress.