Provincial Pedagogical Library in Bielsko-Biała

The Provincial Pedagogical Library in Bielsko-Biała was established in 1931 and has played a significant role in teacher training and supporting the educational process in the region since its inception. Its governing body is the Silesian Voivodeship, and educational supervision is carried out by the Silesian School Superintendent. The library, along with its branches in Cieszyn, Milówka, Skoczów, and Żywiec, serves the entire Silesian Voivodeship. Its mission is to support teaching staff, students preparing for the teaching profession, and anyone interested in educational topics. Historically, the library began with a small collection of books, which grew to over 1,000 volumes by 1939. After World War II, the library changed locations multiple times until 1971, when it settled at 8 Sienkiewicza Street. In 1975, it was transformed into a provincial institution, and in 1999, it became part of the Silesian Voivodeship Local Government. Architecturally, the library blends traditional and modern elements, reflecting its history of adapting to various locations. In 1980, it acquired space in a historic building at 48 Komorowicka Street, allowing for expansion, renovations, and the creation of new departments, such as the Audiovisual Collections Department. The library gained specialized status, collecting materials in pedagogy, psychology, sociology, and library science. An interesting fact is that, in addition to books, the library holds approximately 6,000 journal volumes and audiovisual collections, highlighting the diversity of its knowledge resources. The computerization process began in 1996, and in 2006, an online catalog was launched, revolutionizing access to its collections. The library places great emphasis on informational activities, conducting library lessons and meetings for teachers, which underscores its cultural role in the region. The Cieszyn branch, with a history dating back to 1896, underwent many changes, and its post-war reconstruction was taken over by local institutions. The Milówka branch opened in 1983, and the Skoczów branch has been operating since the same year. The Żywiec branch, inaugurated in 1951, also enriches the library's history. The Provincial Pedagogical Library in Bielsko-Biała not only collects knowledge but also actively participates in the cultural life of the region, making it a vital part of the educational landscape of Silesia.