Polish Day on 15 November at the Library

Polish Day at Hafnarfjörður Library 

Polish rock music, graphics, readings and ceramics will take centre stage at the Hafnarfjörður Library on Saturday. Polish Library Day will be held on 15 November this year from 12 pm to 4 pm. A thousand people attended last year. Sylwia Zajkowska, the coordinator of the library's Polish activities, says it is impossible to say how many will attend this year. 

„We've put up posters in Polish shops in the capital area and posted on community pages. I hope as many people as possible come,“ she says.  

• 13:00 – Karasie rock ‘n’ roll concert
• 14:00 Karolina Kryspowicka-Lisińska reads a story for children 
• 12:00-16:00 Exhibition of ceramics, jewellery and graphics 
  • Izabela Hadrian
  • Magdalena Żyła
  • Sara Nełęcz-Nieniewska
  • Weronika Świerczyna 
  • Wioletta Jakubiuk 
  • Zuzanna Wrona 

The programme is packed and this year's theme is flowers, whereas last year it was various animals. „Yes, we have beautiful flowers in Poland, some similar to those here, others not,“ says Sylwia, adding that the theme breaks the ice, provides an opportunity for conversation and sparks interest. „Perhaps Icelanders can get to know us better when we hold the Polish Day.“ She has created a treasure hunt that children can take part in, both in Polish and Icelandic, at the library. 

Polish Day has become well-known far beyond Hafnarfjörður. People come from all over the country. 

„I think it's important that we can be together. We can speak Polish together. I wrote a book at university so that Icelanders can learn Polish. I enjoy hearing Icelanders speak Polish,“ she says. The day is all about meeting up with her own people and speaking Polish. 

„It's important that we can be together. Sometimes it's difficult living abroad, but when we see role models in others and learn what people are doing, it's very rewarding. At the Polish Day, we can showcase our work. We don't just work here in Iceland. We lead a varied life here in the country and have hobbies,“ says Sylwia, who is not only a librarian at Hafnarfjörður Library but also an actress. 

„Here in Iceland, you can create a varied life for yourself. For example, if you're a painter, it's possible to hold an exhibition here in the country. You don't have to be in Poland,“ she says. 

Sylwia herself made a piece of art for the day. A giant flower made of crepe paper, which she is standing next to in the picture. „Yes, it took some time. But this is one of the things I love to do.“  

• 15th November at 12:00 at Hafnarfjörður Library! 

Knitting workshop and Polish patterns at Hafnarborg  13:00-15:00

Polish Day extends to Hafnarborg on Saturday. Between 13:00-15:00 Hafnarborg invites Polish-speaking families to take part in weaving workshop, under the guidance of the artist Agata Mickiewicz, where participants will create small woollen tapestries inspired by Polish folk patterns. The workshop will be conducted in Polish, Icelandic and English. 

Come and discover the fascinating art of felting together! In this workshop, participants will get to try their hand at the traditional wet-felting technique – using hot water, soap and friction to weave and compact wool fibres into a soft, colourful material. Each child will have the opportunity to design and create their own tapestry, inspired by Polish folk art and culture. 

In my opinion is a series of events that aims to increase access to Hafnarborg for people from diverse backgrounds by welcoming visitors in different languages. The project is supported by the Museum Fund. 

The workshop takes place on the ground floor of the museum and is open to all age groups. No previous artistic experience is required, but children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. As always, participation in workshops and admission to the museum's exhibitions are free of charge for visitors.