Zakrzewska began her career in Poland as a philologist and lecturer emigrating to the United States in 1988. During her 20 years at the Chicago Public Library, she won a major grant to expand the library’s collection of Polish-language materials.

“In 2000, Maria received an Outstanding Public Service Award from the Illinois State Treasurer. She also earned an entry in Polak w świecie (Poles abroad), an encyclopedia of notable figures of the Polish diaspora, and her work is described in the scholarly monograph, The New Chicago: a Social and Cultural Analysis.”

For more about her amazing career as a connector, check out this article from the Chicago Public Library.

Ms. Barczyk will discuss her book and highlight women’s stories. Following the talk, there will be a reception with refreshments, a display, guest gift bags (while supplies last), as well as 50/50 & prize raffles. Copies of the book Footprints of Polonia will be available for purchase at the event, and Ms. Barczyk will be signing copies.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 • 5-8pm
McCormick Lounge, Coffey Hall
Loyola University Chicago • Lake Shore Campus

Register today to save your spot!

Schedule for the Evening:
5:00pm View display, refreshments, & mingling
5:25pm Speaker introduction
5:30pm Talk by Ewa Barczyk
6:00pm Refreshments & mingling
7:00pm Raffle drawings (must be present to win)

Questions? Email wlarchives@luc.edu. This event is free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the Women and Leadership Archives, University Libraries, and Branch Z-211 of the FCSLA.

Loyola Campus Map (Coffey Hall is #28 along Lake Michigan). Please use the southwest entrance to Coffey Hall due to construction in the area (see the construction map far below).

Parking is available for $8 in the main garage (P1 on the campus map). A golf cart shuttle (marked “PWA Event Coffey Hall”) will run continuously (4:30-8pm) from the main parking garage to Coffey Hall.

“In October, we celebrate Polish American Heritage Month in the United States. Our nation owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the millions of freedom-loving Poles who have come to our shores to build a new land. Polish Americans can be justly proud of the vital contributions people of Polish descent have made to our nation in the arts, the sciences, religion, scholarship and every area of endeavor.

PALA Board Members have been planning these two events this month:

PALA Treasurer Bernadetta Koryciarz has been organizing the Polish Heritage Fest at the Niles-Main District Library. It will take place on Saturday, October 21 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Join the NMDL for a celebration and showcase of the arts, culture, and tradition that is uniquely Polish.

PALA President Ewa Barczyk will be presenting Footprints of Polonia Across America: A Celebration of Polish History & Culture discussing her recent book “Footprints of Polonia: Polish Historical Sites Across North America highlighting women’s stories on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Coffey Hall at Loyola University Chicago.

We hope to see you at one of the events this month!

Saturday, June 24, 2023 

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM 

Hyatt Regency McCormick, Field AB

Please join us at our annual program and meeting of the Polish American Librarians Association. You DO NOT have to be registered with ALA to attend our meeting although we encourage everyone to take advantage of the myriad of wonderful sessions and exhibits. It is our first in-person gathering since before COVID so we would love to see you all.  Please spread the word.

PROGRAM 

I. Polish Genealogical Resources- an overview by Claire Geskor 

II. Update on Polish Collections 

  Loyola University.  Emily Reiher, Director of the Women and Leadership Archives

Niles- Maine District Library, Bernadetta Koryciarz, Asst Head of Digital Services 

III. New resource book about Polish historical sites: Footprints of Polonia. Historical Sites in North America edited by Ewa Barczyk

BUSINESS MEETING

Election of Board of Directors

Revision of dues.  Recommended $50 annual

Brainstorming on recruiting new members. 

Anyone wishing to be considered for the board of directors please let me know prior to the meeting. 

Light Polish refreshments will be served!

Zapraszamy!

Ewa Barczyk, President, Polish American Librarians Association

We remember Leonard as very passionate about connecting Polish librarians both here and in Poland. He pursued PALA’s successful attainment of ALA Affiliate status just this past year and the recent launch of the PALA Book award for the best Polish American book. 

Born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan on August 25, 1947, Kniffel was a librarian, journalist, and author of several titles, including two memoirs, Busia: Seasons on the Farm with My Polish Grandmother and Busia: School Days on the Farm with my Polish Grandmother. He was a publishing executive for the American Library Association in Chicago, an active member of the Jan Karski Educational Foundation, executive director of the Polish American Librarians Association, and a board member of the Polish Museum of America. 

Kniffel leaves his life partner of almost 43 years, Carlon B. Walker, along with dozens of treasured cousins, as well as many friends and relatives in the U.S.A., Poland, England, and elsewhere around the world.

Obituary for Leonard J. Kniffel

Services to be announced.

Gifts in his name may be sent to the American Library Association, the Jan Karski Educational Foundation, the Polish American Librarians Association, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Polish Museum of America, Habitat for Humanity, the Hamtramck Historical Museum, Paralyzed Veterans of America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and to St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Chicago or St. Florian Parish in Hamtramck, Michigan.

He will be greatly missed by us.  PALA will be doing a tribute to honor Leonard’s contributions to our organization when it is safe to gather again.  

May He Rest in Peace! Cześć Jego Pamięci!

Ewa Barczyk