Hafnarfjörður Library's Polish work presented at a conference

The library's work in Poland in focus 

It is important to have activities that promote a diverse range of services and accessibility for people from different cultural backgrounds in libraries. This was said by Hugrún Margrét and Sylwia Zajkowska from the Hafnarfjörður Public Library when they presented their work at a conference on libraries in a multicultural context.

The conference was held on 11 September at Kópavogs Library for library staff, those working with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and others interested in multiculturalism. The conference specifically addressed how libraries can improve their services for people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

In the presentation, they spoke about the Polish work at Hafnarfjörður Library and how it is a good example of how a library can be more than just a library: it is a space where cultural participation, language skills and social connection come together.

The Polish programme includes a varied schedule for all age groups, for example story times, craft sessions, courses and events that support Polish-speaking visitors but are also available to other visitors to the museum.

The presentation demonstrated the importance of the work being done and the opportunity for other libraries to draw inspiration from Hafnarfjörður's experience in creating a multicultural and accessible library space.

The work has attracted attention both at home and in Poland. Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, for example, awarded the Polish Medal of Merit to Sigrún Guðnadóttir, the head of the Library and Sylwia's predecessor in the role, Katarzyna Chojnowska. The order is an honorary distinction for service to the Polish community and to Poles abroad.

The Hafnarfjörður Library regularly offers a varied programme that showcases Polish cultural heritage and promotes more accessible services for Polish-speaking visitors. Upcoming events at the library include:

• 15 November: Poland's independence will be celebrated with art, music, traditional costumes, a storytelling session in Polish with Icelandic subtitles, and a treasure hunt for children, in both Icelandic and Polish.

• 6th December: Święty Mikołaj, the Polish Father Christmas, arrives with a Kriss Kringle and entertains children.

• Family time: Every Monday until December, between 4 pm and 6 pm, with a variety of crafts for everyone.

Hafnarfjörður Library emphasises that all events are open to all visitors free of charge.