Decorated with colorful pop-art-style graphics and filled with electronics, the interior of the new library branch at 30 A Elizy Orzeszkowej Street could barely accommodate the guests invited to the Friday inauguration of the new facility. There was a traditional champagne toast and gifts for a good start, but above all, there were many expressions of appreciation for the Zgorzelec librarians, who make excellent use of the opportunities provided by the large group of the library’s friends—not only influential, but also enterprising, inventive and open to cooperation—including local government officials: mayors Rafał Gronicz and Radosław Baranowski, council chairwoman Zofia Barczyk, and councilwoman associated with Ujazd, Katarzyna Murmyło. The library also receives support from former commune head and current Lower Silesian regional assembly member Kazimierz Janik, Zgorzelec county officials, MP Zofia Czernow, and former senator Jan Michalski.
Such a friendly “lobby” is often half the battle when seeking the funds necessary to develop the library’s activities, which have long involved more than simply lending books and require employees to be creative and, above all, to keep up with current trends.
The newly opened branch on Elizy Orzeszkowej Street, whose adaptation and equipment cost more than PLN 700,000 (the own contribution of the Municipality of Zgorzelec—approximately PLN 200,000; funding from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage—approximately PLN 350,000; and funding from the Book Institute in Krakow—approximately PLN 180,000), is an example of how to meet contemporary needs and expectations.
However, a great deal of work is still needed for the success to be complete, as the new facility must now build up its multimedia and book collections. Their foundation will be the gifts received on the occasion of the opening, including a gem—a sound postcard by Alibabki & The Bartenders, “Już nie twist,” donated by the special guest: music journalist, cultural animator and musician Mirosław Maken Dzięciołowski, who recalled that Alibabki were the pioneers of ska in Poland. This unique release was issued in just 500 copies!