Swigchem, P. J. van (Pier J.)2025-08-292025-08-291977-12van Swigchem, P. J. (1977). From Chicago to Brussels: The Public Libraries in IFLA, 1932-1977. IFLA Journal, 3(4), 312-318. https://doi.org/10.1177/034003527700300403 (Original work published 1977)https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/4452This article outlines the historical development and evolution of public libraries within IFLA from 1932 to 1977, and the significant strides made by the section during this time period. Highlighted are public libraries journey from relative marginalization to a recognized and essential component of the global library community. The author, P.J. van Swigchem, was Director of the Public Library The Hague, Bilderdijkstraat 1, The Hague, Netherlands and Chair of the Section of Public Libraries.enUK: Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, and only as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Acts 1988, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of the Publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction, in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency (www.cla.co.uk/). US: Authorization to photocopy journal material may be obtained directly from SAGE Publications or through a licence from the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (www.copyright.com/). Inquiries concerning reproduction outside those terms should be sent to SAGE.https://journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/terms-of-usePublic librariesLibrary and information historyInternational librarianshipArticleSagehttps://doi.org/10.1177/034003527700300403