The Polish Day November 15th at the Library

Polish Day at Hafnarfjörður Library

Polish rock music, graphics, readings, and ceramics will have their place at Hafnarfjörður Library on Saturday. The library’s Polish Day will be held on November 15th this year from 12:00 to 16:00. A thousand people attended last year. Sylwia Zajkowska, head of the library’s Polish department, says it is impossible to predict how many will come this year.

“We have, among other things, put up posters in Polish stores in the capital area and posted on local community pages. I hope as many as possible will come,” she says.

• 13:00 – Karasie rock ‘n’ roll concert
• 14:00 – Karolina Kryspowicka-Lisińska reads fairy tales for children
• 12:00–16:00 – Exhibition of ceramics, jewelry, and graphics
  • Izabela Hadrian
  • Magdalena Żyła
  • Sara Nełęcz-Nieniewska
  • Weronika Świerczyna
  • Wioletta Jakubiuk
  • Zuzanna Wrona

The program is packed and this year’s theme is flowers, while last year it was various animals. “Yes, we have beautiful flowers in Poland, some similar to those here, others not,” says Sylwia, noting that the theme breaks the ice, sparks conversation, and piques interest. “Maybe Icelanders can get to know us better when we hold Polish Day.” She has created a scavenger hunt that children can participate in in both Polish and Icelandic at the library.

Polish Day has reached far beyond Hafnarfjörður. People come from all over the country.

“I think it is important that we can be together. We can speak Polish together. I wrote a book at university so Icelanders can learn Polish. I enjoy hearing Icelanders speak Polish,” she says. The day is designed to meet fellow Polish speakers and practice the language.

“It is important that we can be together. Sometimes it is difficult to live abroad, but when we see role models in others and learn about what people are doing, it gives a lot. On Polish Day, we can show our work. We don’t just work here in Iceland. We live a varied life in this country and have hobbies,” says Sylwia, who is not only a librarian at Hafnarfjörður Library but also an actress.

“Here in Iceland, you can create a varied life. For example, if you paint, it is possible to exhibit your work here. You don’t need to be in Poland,” she says.

Sylwia herself created artwork for the day: a giant paper flower shown in the picture. “Yes, it took some time. But this is one of the things I love to do.”

• November 15th at 12:00 at Hafnarfjörður Library

Felt-making workshop and Polish patterns at Hafnarborg 13:00–15:00

Polish Day extends to Hafnarborg on Saturday. From 13:00 to 15:00, Hafnarborg invites Polish-speaking families to participate in a felt-making workshop led by artist Agata Mickiewicz, where participants will create small wool wall hangings inspired by traditional Polish patterns. The languages of the workshop are Polish, Icelandic, and English.

Let’s explore the enchanting art of felting together! In the workshop, participants will try the traditional wet felting technique, using hot water, soap, and friction to intertwine and condense wool fibers into soft, colorful material. Each child will have the opportunity to design and create their own wall hanging inspired by Polish folk art and culture.

In My Language is an event series aimed at increasing accessibility to Hafnarborg for people from diverse backgrounds by welcoming guests in multiple languages. The project is supported by the Museum Fund.

The workshop takes place on the ground floor of the museum and is open to all ages. No prior experience in art is required, but children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. As always, participation in workshops and access to the museum’s exhibitions is free of charge.