Jewish Comics Library of Seattle

The Jewish Comics Library of Seattle (JCLS) is a unique endeavor that seeks to highlight and celebrate the significant contributions of Jewish creators in the world of comics and graphic novels. By recognizing the historical and cultural significance of Jewish participation in this art form, we aim to create a cultural focal point for engaging with Jewish identity and creativity. JCLS will serve as a low barrier, entertaining and enlightening way to bring about an understanding of Jewish culture that helps to counter prejudice that leads to antisemitism by being a window onto the lives of Jews.

Founding Director, Jeff Treistman, arrived at the decision to start this project as a result of his career as a school librarian (now retired) at Denny International Middle School, where he was tasked with engaging reluctant readers. Through his research and direct contact with students he discovered the power of graphic novels to engage all levels of readers. This in conjunction with his many years in Jewish education as a Sunday School teacher for the Secular Jewish Circle of Puget Sound inspired him to put the two things together and see where it might lead.

We are still in our start up phase and in need of funding to build our collection. The collection will be used to create programming about Jewish involvement in the comic book industry, Jewish identity, and Jewish interaction with the broader community.