Polish Library
The Polish Library POSK, London is a research library specialising in the collection of Polonica, especially Polish émigré publications of all kinds: books, periodicals and newspapers as well as archives, manuscripts and photographs. It was founded in 1942 by the Polish émigré government and has belonged to the Polish Social and Cultural Centre since 1967.
Our most important collections include: Books in Polish or about Poland published outside of Poland since the beginning of World War II. One of the largest collections of Underground and Solidarnosc publications. The Joseph Conrad collection, including the books of the Joseph Conrad Society (UK) who's HQ is in the Library. Bulletins, newsletters, manuscripts and archives of émigré organisations. Personal archives of notable émigrés. Major collection of historic photographs. Smaller collections of maps, printed music and ex libris.
Research LibraryOpening hours:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10.00am-4.30pm
Free for researchers of the Library's manuscripts and other archival material.
Computer terminals and laptop connection available.
Please phone in advance to arrange with Librarian.
Reference Library
Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday: 10.00am-8.00pm
Friday: 10.00am-5.00pm
Free for users of the Library's reference books, periodicals and other materials.
Laptop connection available.
Lending Library
Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday: 10.00am-8.00pm
Friday: 10.00am-5.00pm
Saturday: 10.00am-1.00pm
Membership: £12.00p.a; £7.00 for pensioners.
Membership available to everyone on submission of proof of identity and address.
Central Circulating Library
Since Poland joined the E.U., Poles have flocked here to study, work and pay UK fees and/or taxes. Many are homesick. Reading helps them acclimatise. In the name of diversity, they deserve a Polish language service. The Polish Central Circulating Library service is the best bargain in town: £50.00 p.a. membership + £315.00 p.a. for each block of 50 books, exchanged twice a year. That's £6.30 per book (two titles) p.a. - it would cost you more to process one book, let alone buy two - something to boast about in best value exercises. You can borrow as many sets as you like. The latest publications, specially selected, including children's books, shelf-ready and catalogued. We provide a printed list with each box. We could also provide you with contact addresses of Polish centres in your area if you wanted to publicise the fact that you have the collection.
The Polish Library was founded in 1942 by the Polish Government in Exile, and since 1967 is an integral part of the Polish Social and Cultural Association. The Central Circulating Library already lends books to British libraries from Falkirk to Jersey, including Swindon, Sheffield and London. In London we lend the books to libraries in the boroughs of Ealing, Westminster, Merton, Brent, Kensington & Chelsea, City of London, Hammersmith & Fulham and Waltham Forest. The Polish Library POSK in London is the primary source of research and information on émigré social history and culture since the end of II World War.
If you would like to know more, please call CCL Coordinator Dorota Modranka on 020 8741 0474 or e-mail : ccl@polishlibrary.co.uk
