Author(s): Janina Kosman / Language(s): Polish
Issue: 02/2016
As a result of the border changes, which took place after the end of the II Word War, the lands east from the Odra and Nysa Luzycka Rivers were incorporated into Poland. In March 1945, a westpomeranian district was created, which was later known as the westpomeranian voivodeship. However, it was not easy to create it due to the fact that this district was inhabited by five different ethnic groups. The culture, especially the book culture, played a key role in the process of its integration and polonization. Their institutional basics were founded as soon as the war was ceased. New libraries and book shops were being opened, along with the foundation of new editorial companies. The most valid initiative was the opening of the Editorial Institution named „Polish Writing and Book”. Its members organized other different departments such as: printing, lithography, editorial, bindery, advertising, marketing, as well as a library, stamps company, production of cartons, bags and finally paper department. This institution was primarily focused on publishings concerning the history but also present problems of the West Pomeranian region. It was the most active inhabitants who popularized the readership and Polish printed words by organizing private libraries. Not only books but also the press was published with its role to be the only printed Polish word easily accessible by anyone. Moreover, it was the only source of information about current affairs in Poland and abroad. Because of that, the press was easier understood by the readers. Nevertheless, the book had its own role to play. Although the book had an influence on many groups, many of them were indifferent to a printed word, which was testified by many people from those pioneering times.
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