Our goal was to learn about the solutions used in European countries how they conduct adult education in their respective libraries. Visiting European libraries allowed our staff to expand their knowledge of running a modern, European library that meets the needs of highly mobile communities within the EU. The visits helped our staff learn about innovative methods of library management in terms of designing and implementing educational offers for adults, going beyond those previously used in the Gdynia Library. The second important goal was to increase the communication skills in foreign languages of the Gdynia Library staff. The increasing number of migrants also translates into the number of non-Polish-speaking people willing to use the libraries’ offer. For many employees of our institution, communicating in a language other than their own is a considerable challenge. Increasing the language competences of our employees will help shape foreign-language collections tailored to the needs and expectations of new readers. Our goal was also to establish cooperation with other European libraries, which we managed to achieve by obtaining funds for a partnership project with a Slovenian library.
The Gdynia Library specializes in informal education with classes led by librarians and hired specialists. The library is a place accessible to everyone, which is why it is important to improve the qualifications of our staff who directly teaches classes and shape the organization’s character and its functioning. The library main task lies with making culture texts and knowledge available to users free of charge. We conduct language courses, organize educational classes for children, teenagers, adults and seniors, as well as organize expert lectures in line with the needs of our users. Project provided opportunities and motivation for employees, thanks to which they are more willing to use their knowledge and experience in adult education lessons. The project assumed that the Municipal Public Library in Gdynia would become a modern cultural center for the 21st century, whose staff would have competences in intercultural communication and deepen their knowledge of foreign languages.