Art. 1: Grażyna Lewandowicz
Public libraries for children in Poland of 2000.

This article presents the results of research on public libraries for children in Poland. The research was conducted in 2001, at 133 branches. In 2001 there were 1086 active public libraries for children (230 branches, 856 divisions). Post-1989 structural and administrative changes in the country (organisation and management, financing, library mergers, educational reform) greatly influenced both the number of existing libraries, and their function. As of 1989, over 13% of these libraries have been eliminated. The number of new book purchases dramatically fell (by almost 70%), and existing contents have been steadily deteriorating. Only every 10th kids library is computerised. The borrowing has been steadily decreasing, as the number of new users increased. This phenomenon signifies the change in the perception of the reading process it is now a part of cultural participation rather than educational tool. The educational reform caused changes in purchasing and lending structure - it seems that popular science genre is the preferred choice, along with the most common activity - library lessons.

Art. 2: Stanisława Niedziela, Urszula Kuś, Lilianna Olearczyk-Baranowska,
Ten years of Children and Youth Library in Oświęcim.

An extensive research material presents the organisational structure and the activity of the children's library. In the ten years of its operation, this library has formed its own methods of work with children. The Oswiecim branch was one of the first libraries in Poland to have organised a 'reading corner' for the youngest readers accompanied by another 'corner' for the parents. The library has been actively educating its users about reading and media. The library has collaborated with other institutions on many initiatives and has actively participated in 'Poland reads to the children' action. This library has been under the sponsorship of the 'Book for Kids' Foundation and IBBY - The Polish Section.

Art. 3: Violetta Trella, Katarzyna Wojciechowska,
Pedagogical process regarding youngest readers at the Sopot City Library forms and methodology.

The author discusses the implementation of the project 'Library without borders'. A separate division, exclusively for the use of children, has recently been created at the Sopot City Library. Readers/users have access to books in four areas, with one of them converted into 'kids' corner', where youngest readers have access to computers and reading material. The library staff uses innovative methods in their activities with children, such as: the pedagogy of play, bibliotherapy, creative thinking. The staff's main focus is on the Developmental Movement and metaphorical method.

Art. 4: Danuta Kapela,
The function of children libraries in the Łódź voivodship.

The author discusses the situation of children's libraries in Lodz voivodship. The author s focus is on the very important aspects of library services directed especially to youngest readers. There are three types of posts that render library services - branches, divisions and lending rooms. The main distinguishing criterion is the level of organisational independence/initiative and the competence level. The article is a good starting point in the discussion on the notion of 'children's library'.

Art. 5: Ewa Pietraszek,
In search of a reader.

The City Public Library in Wrocław has, for a long time now, been trying to spark kids and youth's interest in reading. The purpose of numerous functions, quizzes and competitions organised by the library is to convince young readers about the importance and benefits of systematic use of books. The 'target audience' in this case are children between the ages of 2-16. The youngest 'users' are treated twice a month to stage productions of popular fairy tales organised by the students of the Wrocław Theatre School. The students of grade schools and high-schoolers participate in the variety of art and literary competitions. Quizzes such as: 'Wrocław - the next millennium', 'My readings', 'Who's educates us?', Wrocław - my world', or 'Economy 101' - are the most popular.

Art. 6: Beata Łaszewska-Radwańska,
Services for children at the City Public Library in Wrocław between 1945-1955.

City Public Library in Wrocław was made available to general public in December of 1947. The book collection of this library served the needs of younger members of the society as well, however, until 1951, the service was limited only to lending books. The library contents destined for the children consisted of 27.422 volumes (1955) and could not possibly fill the ever-growing needs of all the students. Nevertheless, the library's role and mission in the development of readership among young people was significant. One absolutely cannot ignore the dedication and hard work of library staff who did their best to encourage children to visit the library and take up reading. The staff, having entered the collaboration with school authorities, organised library information sessions. The work with young readers was conducted mainly at the main branch, however, other divisions participated as well.