The History of the Polish Collection and Programming at the Chicago Public Library

Abstract

This paper discusses the history of the Polish book collection at the Chicago Public Library (CPL) from the time the Foreign Language Section (FOL) in the main library was established, until the present. The author has used both primary and secondary sources. Many of them are archival materials still unpublished (FOL Annual Report Bulletin from the Office of the Librarian, etc.) and stored in the Special Collections and Preservation Division at the Harold Washington Library Center (HWLC) in Chicago. The names of many dedicated librarians who have worked and are working now at FOL are provided. The article tries to answer the question: How did they help new immigrants to adjust to the American way of life? A considerable part of this paper is devoted to the programming aimed at Chicago's Polish community. These programs took place at CPL from its beginning, but more were scheduled in the 1970s and the 1980s, when American libraries begin to promote multiculturalism and diversity. The establishment of the Polish American Services Committee (PASC) in 1995, which was organized and continues to function to the present time, is also covered.