Never Forget: A Holocaust Survivor Shares His Story

This August, Naperville residents and visitors have a rare opportunity to connect with living history. On Saturday, August 22, the Naperville Public Library welcomes Holocaust survivor Steen Metz for an unforgettable afternoon at the 95th Street Library.

This free program offers a deeply personal window into resilience and remembrance that resonates far beyond the library walls.

Steen Metz’s Story

Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 22, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Steen Metz was just eight years old when he was deported from Denmark to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. In this moving lecture, he shares his experiences of survival, liberation in 1945, and the life he later built in the United States.

Hosted by the Naperville Public Library, this adult-focused program is open to the community at no cost. It’s a chance to listen, reflect, and honor stories that must never be forgotten.

Why This Testimony Matters

Events like this strengthen Naperville’s role as a thoughtful, engaged community in DuPage County. Hearing directly from a survivor brings textbook history to life in a way no documentary can match.

Metz’s journey from a Danish child facing unimaginable hardship to an American adult sharing his testimony is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Attendees often leave with a renewed appreciation for tolerance and the importance of preserving these narratives.

What to Expect

The program is a straightforward, powerful lecture format designed for adults. Expect a first-person account that covers Metz’s early life in Denmark, his time in Theresienstadt, liberation, and his subsequent years in the United States.

The 95th Street Library provides a comfortable, accessible setting for this intimate presentation. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to settle in and stay afterward if questions arise.

• Firsthand testimony from survivor Steen Metz
• Reflections on survival, loss, and rebuilding a life
• Q&A opportunity (typical for library lectures)

Plan Your Visit

The 95th Street Library sits at 3015 Cedar Glade Dr. in south Naperville, convenient for residents across the city and nearby areas. Ample free parking is available in the library lot.

The event runs exactly 2:00–3:00 PM on Saturday, August 22. Doors typically open 15–30 minutes early.

• Free admission—no tickets required
• Suitable for adults; family-friendly in tone but geared toward mature audiences
• Accessible venue with standard library amenities

Space is limited for this special program, so plan to arrive early to secure a seat.

Event Details At-A-Glance

• When: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
• Where: 95th Street Library
• Address: 3015 Cedar Glade Dr., Naperville, IL 60564, United States
• Organizer: Naperville Public Library
• Tickets / info: Get details

Dates, times, and pricing can change. Confirm the latest details on the official event page before making plans.

Find more community programs on the Naperville events calendar, or explore things to do in Naperville.