Municipal Public Library in Dąbrowa Górnicza

The Hugo Kołłątaj Municipal Public Library in Dąbrowa Górnicza is a self-governing cultural institution whose main goal is to meet the educational, informational, and cultural needs of the community. Located at 25 Tadeusz Kościuszko Street, the library began its operations in 1906, and its history is closely tied to local educational activists in Dąbrowa. After World War I, it gained official institutional status, but during World War II, it was completely shut down. After the war, in 1945, it resumed its activities with a collection of 688 volumes. Architecturally, the Main Library was modernized in 2006, allowing various departments to be consolidated under one roof. Today, it houses 506,450 library materials, including collections of fiction, popular science, and regional literature, with a special focus on works related to the Zagłębie Dąbrowskie region, foreign language literature, and specialized collections in Japanese and Korean. Beyond lending books, the library offers audiobooks, e-books, multimedia resources, and child-friendly spaces like the Bajkowa Polana (Fairy-Tale Meadow). From a cultural perspective, the library actively engages in the city’s life by organizing events and collaborating with local institutions. Notable projects include the "National Reading" event, the Book Discussion Club, and the Book Moth Festival, all of which promote reading and encourage active participation in cultural life. Another interesting initiative is the "All of Poland Reads to Kids" campaign, in which the library involves the local community. A unique feature is the Old Books Department, which houses publications printed before 1956, including rare old prints and unique documents such as a 19th-century Torah on parchment. The Regional Reading Room collects materials related to the history and culture of Dąbrowa Górnicza and the surrounding region, with an emphasis on promoting these resources within the local community. The library has also hosted renowned authors, and its film projects, like "Defum - Factory of Memories," highlight historical aspects of the city. With its rich cultural and educational heritage, the Hugo Kołłątaj Municipal Public Library continues to play a key role in promoting literature and supporting culture in Dąbrowa Górnicza.