Polanki Library

The Polanki Library is now open on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

and selected Wednesday evenings (call 414-628-1937 for information)

The Polanki Library at the Polish Center of Wisconsin is a treasure trove of books, magazines, newspapers, videos, records, tapes, CDs and other items – all focused on Polish culture! Come visit during any of these times:

  • Tuesdays: 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. 
  • Fridays during Lent (open during Polish Center Fish Fry): 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
  • During Holiday Bazaar (1st Sunday in December): 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • During other scheduled events at the Polish Center
  • By appointment: email info@polanki.org or call 414-628-1937 for access; please leave your name and phone number

Polanki was proud to establish the Polanki Library in 2000, contributing funds for both construction and the establishment of an initial collection. Over the years, we have continued to develop the collection, resulting in a rich assortment of materials that preserve the history and culture of Poland and Polish Americans.

Materials are available in both English and Polish and cover a vast range of topics: history, culture, language, heraldry, literature, folklore, music, geography, arts, and genealogy.

While Polanki members and members of the Polish Heritage Alliance enjoy a free membership in the library, the general public is also welcome to visit. Feel free to come in and use any materials while at the library; however, if you want to borrow materials, you’ll need to complete an application and pay a small membership fee of $10.00/year. Materials available for checkout, circulation periods, and late fees are explained on the application.

We welcome and depend on contributions of books, current magazines, newspapers, videos, records and CDs that enhance the collection and support the library mission. We are grateful for all donations; please note, however, that in the case of duplicate materials, we may exchange, donate or sell your donation in order to raise funds for purchasing new materials.

If you would like to donate archival materials, such as photographs, manuscripts, or information from local Polish-American companies, we suggest that you consider donating those materials to the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, which has an extensive Polish archive collection.