Two major anniversaries call for celebration. Last year, the Gdynia Library marked its 90th anniversary. This year, the spotlight is on Gdynia itself, as our city celebrates its 100th birthday. The jubilee events prepared by the city will also be enriched by initiatives of the library, which is returning with its highly popular series of meetings with well-known and well-liked writers.
Following the highly successful #CzytamWŚmietanie series, organised as part of the 90th anniversary of the Gdynia Library – Reading Room, the library is once again inviting residents to meet engaging writers and publicists as part of Gdynia’s centenary celebrations.
The first event will take place on Thursday, 15 January, at 6:00 p.m. at Biblioteka Wiedzy. Admission is free.
Gdynia’s archives contain numerous stories about the city’s social life and criminal underworld that continue to fascinate to this day. These tales are both dramatic and infused with humour and local colour, creating a vivid portrait of a city shaped by dynamism, passion, conflict, tension and the clash between dreams and reality. They also remind us that behind great historical narratives lies everyday human experience. Criminal scandals—such as gold and foreign-currency smuggling, money laundering and illegal trade—still capture the imagination, showing that neither entrepreneurs nor workers were deterred by the prospect of facing justice.
“We are beginning with local experts on the history of the city and the region—specialists in uncovering fascinating, often little-known stories hidden in archival records. Arkadiusz Brzęczek and Dr Krzysztof Chalimoniuk will introduce participants to the most notorious criminal affairs in Gdynia’s history,” says Natalia Gromow, Director of the Gdynia Library.
The next meeting, featuring authors of widely discussed books about Gdynia, is scheduled for 26 February. On that day, Aleksandra Boćkowska and Grzegorz Piątek will take part in a debate entitled „Co zostało z miasta marzeń?” (What Remains of the City of Dreams?). On 10 March, the library will host Eliza Kącka—winner of the 29th Nike Literary Award for „Wczoraj byłaś zła na zielono” (Yesterday You Were Angry in Green) and a member of the jury of the Gdynia Literary Award—Natalia Gromow adds.
This is not the end of the exciting programme. Gdynia Library has already announced further monthly literary events.
Gdynia Scandals and Crime Stories
A conversation with Arkadiusz Brzęczek and Krzysztof Chalimoniuk
Biblioteka Wiedzy, 6:00 p.m.
141 Świętojańska Street