Immerse yourself in Polish culture at Barrington library

For the 10th straight year, the Barrington Area Library is taking its patrons on a trip abroad.

Instead of packing suitcases and boarding a plane, however, the only traveling that needs to be done is to the library.

As a way to promote cultural awareness, the library hosts a series of events and programs each year on a different foreign country.

This year, Poland takes center stage.

"We tend to choose countries that have interesting dances, interesting foods and various arts," said Barbara Sugden, the library's executive director.

Starting Saturday and continuing through the end of the month, the library is offering nearly a dozen different programs focusing on Poland's music, landscape, arts and heritage.

Highlights of the event include performances by a Polish folk dance ensemble Sunday and the Lira Singers on Jan. 11.

On Jan. 13, patrons can sample the country's food during "A Taste of Poland." T. Ron Jasinski-Herbert, editor of Polonia Today, will be making some of his favorite dishes.

"These are quality programs that are free," Sugden said.

The library moved to highlight different cultures as the community started becoming very diverse, she said.

"We recognized that our area was becoming more multicultural," Sugden said.

Past countries the library has focused on include China, Mexico, Spain, Japan and Brazil.

It's one of the most successful programming months of the year, Sugden said.

The library would like people to sign up for events they are interested in attending.

"You don't have to commit to all of them," Sugden said.

For more information or to register, call (847) 382-1300 or visit www.barringtonarealibrary.org.

Scheduled events

The Barrington Area Library will spend the month focusing on Poland.

Saturday

• The Music of Chopin -- 2 p.m.

• Poland: The Bridge between Eastern and Western Europe -- 2:30 p.m.

Sunday

• Polish Folk Dance Ensemble -- 2 p.m.

Jan. 11

• Lira Singers -- 8 p.m.

Jan. 12

• Polish Legends with Barbara Kozuchowska -- 10:30 a.m.

Jan. 13

• A Taste of Poland -- 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 17

• Family Craft Night: Celebrate Poland -- 7 p.m.

Jan. 20

• Polish Genealogy: Finding Your Roots -- 2 p.m.

Jan. 23

• Poland Adventure Trip -- 4 p.m.

Jan. 24

• Polish/English storytime -- 10:30 a.m.

Jan. 27

• Wycinanki: The Art of Polish Paper Cutting -- 2 p.m.

Source: Barrington Area Library