Celebrate Polish American Heritage Month with Us!

White and red Polish flag with sunlight shining through it

October is Polish American Heritage Month. Here at Algonquin Area Public Library, we're planning some special events to celebrate the culture and contributions of Polish people, throughout our history.

Polish American Heritage Fest

Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Eastgate Branch. Celebrate and learn about Polish heritage with stories, performances, food and fun, at this family-friendly event. For activities marked with an asterisk, we request that you register in advance, due to limited space.

Drop in between 12-3 to enjoy savory and sweet pierogis available for purchase from the popular Pierogi Rig food truck. The first 100 Polish American Heritage Fest attendees will receive a free cupcake from Konrad's Bakery in Lake In the Hills.

Chicago's D&Z House of Books will be on hand, selling a selection of Polish-language books for adults, teens and kids.

We also welcome the Polish American Association, a century-old Chicago-based social service agency which provides a comprehensive range of bilingual and bicultural services to Polish and other diverse immigrant and refugee communities.

Polish Story Time and Craft* 10-11 a.m. Enjoy stories and songs in Polish (with a little bit of English!) We'll also complete a cute apple and caterpillar craft to take home. For ages 3 and up with a caregiver.

The Wici Song and Dance Theater 11 am- noon. Organized in 1972, Wici's mission is to promote Polish culture in both the Polish and American communities through song, dance and music. Wici honors the traditions of their ancestors through authentic costumes and original choreography.

Beginning Polish Genealogy* 1-2 p.m. Explore your Polish heritage with the help of expert and author Jason Kruski. This program is appropriate for beginners.

Documentary Screening and Conversation with Filmmaker Adrian Prawica 2:30- 4:00 p.m. Join us in welcoming award winning documentary filmmaker Adrian Prawica for a screening of The Fourth Partition, which examines the history of Polish immigrants in Chicago, and how they aided Poland's fight for independence. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Prawica.

Makerspace

Pajaki Chandelier- Create a colorful traditional chandelier and bring some health and happiness to your home. Register for an evening class, Wednesday, October 12, 6-8 pm, or morning, Thursday, October 13,10 am- noon. Classes will be held at the Main Library on Harnish Drive.

Books In Polish

For readers who prefer their native language, AAPLD has a collection of Polish-language fiction and non-fiction. Browse the collection and place a hold by entering your library card number. Don't see what you're looking for? Give the Adult Services department a call, we'll be happy to search for a title.