Poles constitute a national minority in Great Britain, which is growing daily. Let's not forget that we have rights. One of these, under the "access to linguistic minorities" umbrella, is access to books in our native language.
Therefore, we ask you to REQUEST POLISH BOOKS in your local British libraries, suggesting contacting us.
The Central Mobile Libraries was established in May 1948, almost 70 years ago, prompted by the high demand for Polish books among Poles forced to remain in Great Britain after the war. Numerous library locations were established throughout the British Isles, to which Polish books were sent. Initially, these were British establishments and institutions such as hospitals, workers' hostels, prisons, and libraries.
For 19 years, the Central Mobile Libraries was an independent institution, with its own staff and director. In 1967, the British government transferred ownership to the Polish Social and Cultural Centre, and in 1995, the POSK board decided to incorporate the CCL into the Polish Library as one of its departments.
CCL currently ships around 2,000 copies of books a year to four British Public Libraries across the UK.
Books are shipped in sets of at least 50 copies, and each set includes primarily novels, but also biographies, history books, travel books, children's and young adult books, classics, and new releases. In short, there's something for everyone. The collection is renewed every six months. Polish readers don't have to worry about the cost of this service. The English library pays for everything. All you have to do is follow the library's rules.
Libraries across London using CCL
(number of books borrowed every 6 months in brackets)
Sutton Central Library: St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA (100 ks)
Libraries outside London using CCL
(number of books borrowed every 6 months in brackets)
Maidenhead Library: St. Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1QU (50 ks) Wiltshire
Swindon Central Library: Regent Circus, Swindon SN1 1QG (300 ks)