Spreading the Roots: Library Helps Polish Minorities Preserve the Traditions

Abstract

This poster will present how the “Adam Mickiewicz” Polish Library, a branch of the “B.P. Hasdeu” Municipal Library from Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, succeeded to preserve and promote the traditions of Poles in the country, that historically may be traced to the 14-16th centuries. It will focus on the partnership between local authorities, ethnical groups and The Embassy of Poland in Moldova and highlights the traditional and innovative tools the library developed via various projects. Since 2007, the library demonstrated to be a significant institution for Polish from Moldova, and as well visitors from Poland by participating in Polska Wiosna w Moldawie. The library consistently promoted the richness of Polish cultural heritage by making use of new technologies by the belief that the library can have a key role in the community and is a force to cherish and preserve the cultural diversity. The poster takes up the IFLA conference theme by highlighting how to safeguard linguistic and cultural Polish heritage (e.g. “Dzien dobry, Polsko” Club) and assure awareness of the positive value of cultural diversity and fostering cultural dialogue (e.g. Polonistica blog). We are proud of our achievement and hope that it will serve as a model for others.