Pregnant Women and People with Young Children in Public Libraries in Poland

Thesis/purpose of the article – The aim of the article is to draw attention to pregnant women and people with small children (up to 3 years old) as potential library users who need to be treated in a special way, as people with special needs. Research methods – The analysis of publications, legal acts and websites allowed us to characterize libraries as institutions that can involve pregnant women and people with small children in their activities. This requires adapting the space and activities to the needs of this group of users. Results/conclusions – Pregnant women and people with small children have special needs related to using libraries. In addition to adjusting the arrangement of space and collections, libraries also run support groups and mothers’ clubs. The animated nature of the activities undertaken has a positive impact on users and on clarifying strategies for meeting their needs. Examples of good practice in this area can be found in Polish libraries, but it requires further intensification.