Silesian Library

The Silesian Library, established between 1922 and 1923, is the oldest operating library in the Polish part of Upper Silesia. Its headquarters at 1 Rady Europy Square in Katowice is one of the most modern library buildings in Europe. In 1998, the new facility, featuring innovative solutions such as automated storage systems, won numerous awards, including third place in the Construction of the Year 1998 competition. The library houses diverse collections, including valuable materials related to Silesia, and its special collections, such as the Lviv Theater Library and cartography archives, are unique on a national scale. The library not only serves academic functions but also organizes conferences, festivals, and competitions to promote regional culture, such as the International Silesian Press Photo Contest and the Silesian Literary Laurel plebiscite. It offers a wide range of educational events, fostering interdisciplinary thinking, as seen during the Colloquium "The Future of Silesian Cities." Since 2006, the Silesian Digital Library has been operational, serving as the largest regional digital library in Poland, with its collections accessible through international portals. The Silesian Library is an important cultural and academic hub, holding legal deposit rights and being part of the National Library Resource. Through collaborations with various cultural institutions, it has become a meeting place for knowledge exchange while fulfilling its vital mission of preserving the region's cultural heritage. Its rich collections, innovative architectural solutions, and commitment to cultural and educational activities make the Silesian Library a key institution on Poland's cultural and academic map, distinguished by numerous awards and honors for its significant achievements.