The Municipal and County Public Library in SuchaBeskidzka (Suska Library) is a famous nation-wide centre of non-formal education and cultural animation. For the past ten years Suska Library has been a showcase for small public libraries in Poland. Suska Library is one of twenty Polish public libraries which took part in a prestigious, experimental project called “Innovation Spheres”.  The main goal of this project has been to develop a new vision for public libraries, merging traditional libraries and community centers.

Located in the historical City Hall, the library combines tradition and modernity and provides a range of services for local inhabitants both from the city of SuchaBeskidzka and Sucha district. The main role of the library is not only to influence readership culture in the region, but also to respond to current cultural and educational needs.

Suska Library provides a vast array of activities that diverge from standard libraries, such as economy workshops for children, video game tournaments, board games competitions, culinary classes and much, much more.

Once a year Suska Library organizes a big Urban Gaming event. This successful and popular game is held throughout the entire city, and well-known Polish TV and movie stars conduct the narrative of the game.

Among the important elements of Suska Library are activities associated with Billy Wilder, the famous Hollywood movie director, screenwriter, and sevenfold Academy Winner who was born in SuchaBeskidzka. In honor of Billy Wilder the library organizes movie screenings and workshops about movie making.  

Another major focus of the Suska Library is IT education and promoting the safe use of new technologies. In addition to computers, library users can access iPads, game consoles and different electronic devices. Suska Library attaches importance to teaching people how to use technology safely and wisely.

Suska Library has a branch in the local hospital, which is helpful in promoting recovery among patients by ensuring entertainment and access to reading material. Medical personnel use the library as well, not only for amusement, but also for learning. There are computers and WiFi available, which is also very important for the patients. The hospital branch has a huge impact on small children staying at the hospital.

Suska Library is ‘the third place’ for the local community, especially for children and teenagers. Young people tend to spend their leisure time here; they enjoy meeting their friends, playing various games, doing homework or simply reading. They often take part in different activities organized for them by library staff.

Events organized by Suska Library unite the local community. The library cooperates with local associations, kindergartens, schools, as well as libraries from another cities and villages. Suska Library provides a meeting place and resources for non-governmental organizations and encourages them to actively participate in different events. Community building is one of the most important tasks for the library.

Librarians from Suska Library are often invited to major national and international events to share their experience and knowledge. They take part in IFLA WLIC and Polish Public Libraries Congress, where they not only learn from other colleagues, but also conduct workshops and lectures for them.