Maria Zakrzewska

Maria Zakrzewska in Szczecin, Poland

Photo by Kazimiera Szpilewska.

Philologist, educator, librarian, author, animator of Polonia’s culture

Born 1948, in Poland

Education

  1. 1972 – Master’s Degree in Polish philology from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland.
  2. 1993 – Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLA), Rosary College (today Dominican University), River Forest, IL, USA.

Professional Experience

  1. 1972-1985 – Teacher at the Medical Preparatory High School (Liceum Medyczne), Szczecin, Poland. Taught Polish literature and language to students studying for the nursing profession.
  2. 1985-1988 – Lecturer at the Teachers’ Development Institute (Instytut Doskonalenia Nauczycieli), ODN, Szczecin. Responsible for curriculum development and teacher training as well as evaluation for the Department of Humanities. Participated in research on the effectiveness of various teaching methods; responsibilities included being a member of the Examining Board recruiting students for the enrolment to the University of Szczecin and contributing articles to textbooks for this university.
  3. 1989-1993 – Instructor at the Kolbe School of the Polish Language, Chicago, IL, USA.
  4. 1993-2013 – Reference Librarian at the Chicago Public Library (CPL), Harold Washington Library Center (HWLC). Provided reference service to library patrons, took responsibility for collection development and management of books in the Slavic collections.

Accomplishments at the CPL

CPL Collection

  1. 1995 – Applied for and received a $21,000.00 Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) Title I State Grant for the CPL’s Polish Collection. Acted as the Project Director, coordinating, monitoring and implementing all grant activities in the four libraries involved (Harold Washington Library Center, Portage Cragin, Jefferson Park and West Belmont).
  2. 1997 – Due to my personal efforts and initiatives, the Polish book collection at CPL was greatly enhanced with a gift from the Polish Ministry of Culture, worth $10,000.00 and a gift from Chicago’s D&Z House of Books ($1,000.00).

Programs Organized at the CPL

  1. 1995 - Founded the Polish American Services Committee (PASC). Under my leadership, between 1995-2010, PASC presented more than 500 programs for adults and children throughout all CPL system (Central library – Harold Washington Library Center and 79 branches). These events were attended by approximately 12,000 people. These programs included:
  2. Poetry readings: Adam Wiśnicki(1996), Tymoteusz Karpowicz (2000), Joanna Kurowska-Młynarczyk (2000), Adam Lizakowski (2002), Ewa Chruściel (2010);
  3. Author’s programs: Ursula Bielski (2002), Victoria Granacki (2005), Wesley Adamczyk (2006), Anthony Bukoski (2009), Joseph Żurawski (2010), Agata Tuszyńska (2013);
  4. Lectures about Polish literature, especially such authors as: Czesław Miłosz (1994, 2002), Joseph Conrad (1996), Wisława Szymborska (1997), Adam Mickiewicz (1998), Zbigniew Herbert (2002), Krzysztof Kamil Baczyński (2004);
  5. Lecture by Prof. John Merchant about American authors of Polish background (2009);
  6. Polish history programs including: Kazimir Pulaski (1995), Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1998), Jan Karski (2001), Irena Sendler (2008), Katyń massacre (2010);
  7. Additional events included: many lectures about contemporary Poland such as: art, architecture, monuments, music, theater, folk dances; history of Polish diaspora in the USA; music and dance performances, Polish cookery, Polish cut-outs (wycinanki); children’s programs such as fairy-tales and puppet shows; many art exhibits featuring Polish writers, musicians and artists.

Other Activities at the CPL

  1. 1999 – At the request of the Library Administration, in 1999 translated English terminology used by the CARL (Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries – computerized maintenance and management system) into Polish (43 pages of translation). Consulted on this task with the Librarians and Computer Specialists from the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland.
  2. Provided a considerable amount of input for the CPL home page, for example information on Polish-American organizations, schools of Polish language, Polish bookstores, ESL classes and other issues which might be of interest to Polish speaking patrons.
  3. Translated a number of documents issued by the CPL into Polish, such as “How to Obtain a Library Card?”, “Guidelines for the CPL Computer Use”, etc.
  4. Helped Librarians in the Chicago metropolitan area to prepare lists of Polish books to be purchased for their libraries and to connect with lecturers giving programs on Polish subjects.
  5. Conducted many library tours for Chicago’s students and teachers as well as librarians (2009 and 2011) from Poland.

Programs Organized on Behalf of the Kościuszko Foundation

Programs which I organized as a member of Kosciuszko Foundation, Chicago Chapter included:

  1. 1998, Nov. 8, at the School of The Art Institute in Chicago —program celebrated 200th anniversary of Adam Mickiewicz (in cooperation with The Chicago Poetry Center).
  2. 2006, April 29, co-organized a poetry program on literary output of Adam Zagajewski (at the Chopin Theatre, in Chicago);
  3. 2010, October 23 — program devoted to poetry book titled Sopilki (Toronto, 2009), by Ewa Chruściel at the Polonia Bookstore in Chicago.
  4. 2012, July 14 — On behalf of The Chicago Chapter of The Kościuszko Foundation, co-organized and gave an introduction to a program dedicated to Chinese poets – Mao Zedong and Li Bai. The program was attended by guests from China: Prof. Mao Sihui and Lin Ziyn.
  5. 2014, March 1 — promotion of a book I ciąg dalszy nastąpił (ARTPOL, Chicago, 2013) which was a continuation of a book Czy Polskę stać na Polonię i vice versa (ARTPOL, Chicago, 2008), by Bożena Jankowska, a journalist of Dziennik Związkowy (Polish Daily News).
  6. 2014, Oct.28 – Organized a lecture of Prof. Donald Pienkos of the Universityof Wisconsin, titled “Thaddeus Kosciuszko: Hero and Symbol” at The Jesuits Center in Chicago.
  7. 2023, July 19 – meeting with a scholarship recipient of the Kościuszko Foundation, Dr Anna Sosnowska-Jordanowska of the University of Warsaw, who came to Chicago looking for materials about Chicago’s Polish community.
  8. 2024, March 10 – meeting with Regina Wasiak-Taylor, President of Union of Polish Writers Abroad (Związek Pisarzy Polskich na Obczyźnie) and Editor of “Pamiętnik Literacki” (London), who informed us about its publications.
  9. 2024, April 27 – organized and lead a discussion during an author’s talk, Dr. Jan Plachta, who promoted his book Artist in Concrete and Steel. Bridges of Ralph Modjeski (2019). The program took place in Niles Public Library, in Niles, IL.

Connections with the Polish Teachers Association in USA (Zrzeszenie Nauczycieli Polskich w USA)

  1. 1993, May 29-31 – participated in Sympozium Metodyczne organized in Orchard Lake, MI.
  2. 1994 – Zrzeszenie published two of my books about Pan Tadeusz by Adam Mickiewicz (see Selected Bibliography – Books). These books were published again in 2004.
    Maria Zakrzewska Maria Zakrzewska
  3. 1995, May 26-229 – participation in a Conference for the teachers of Polish Saturday Schools in Mundelein, IL. I presented peer lesson on Pan Tadeusz, book written by Adam Mickiewicz. The title of this lesson was „Bogactwo języka w Panu Tadeuszu na podstawie analizy opisów przyrody. Mickiewicz artystą słowa.”
  4. 1997, May 23-26 – participation in a Conference, which took place in Columbia University, in New York, NY. I was a moderator of a panel discussion on new technologies in libraries and its influence on a teaching process.
  5. 1999, September – cooperation with the University of Chicago, Dept. of Slavic Languages and Literatures helping to prepare Symposium devoted to Adam Mickiewicz and donated books in Polish language for this Dept.
  6. 2015, February 28 – serving as a juror in a contest organized by Mikołaj Kopernik Polish Saturday School in Niles, IL.
  7. 2019, October 18 – on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Maksymilian Kolbe Polish Saturday School, I received a certificate of recognition “za dotychczasową działalność edukacyjną i wychowawczą, za wytrwałość, serce i oddanie dla uczniów polskiej szkoły wraz z życzeniami dalszej owocnej pracy w podtrzymywaniu w sercach dzieci umiłowania polskości”. [For working to educate students, for perseverance and devotion, with best wishes for further fruitful work of maintaining the love of Polishness in the hearts of students.]
  8. 2023, March 18 – served as a juror in a contest on patron of the Juliusz Słowacki Polish Saturday School in Wheeling, Il.
  9. 2023, December 9 – a lecture sponsored by the Polish Teachers Association in USA titled “Jak z pomocą dzieł literatury polskiej promować postawy patriotyczne uczniów szkół polonijnych”. [Utilizing Polish literary works to promote patriotic attitudes among students of Polish saturday schools.] The lecture took place at the Niles Public Library, Niles, IL.
  10. 2024, February 10 – served as a juror in a contest on patron of the Maria Curie-Skłodowska Polish Saturday School in Niles, IL.
  11. 2025, March 22 – served as a juror during a contest on 85 anniversary of Katyn Massacre at the Juliusz Słowacki Polish Saturday School in Wheeling, IL.

Other Accomplishments

  1. 2005-2006 – Assisted the author, Teresa Kaczorowska, in the editing and preparation for publication of her book entitled Children of the Katyn Massacre, a historical non-fiction account published by McFarland and Co. Inc., in 2006.
  2. 2023 – Assisted the publisher, Księgarnia Akademicka of Kraków, Poland, in raising funds ($6,400.00) for publishing a Polish translation of the book The March, by W. S. Kuniczak. This book was released at the end of 2023 and it included an acknowledgement page (957) which recognized the importance of my efforts to help with the publication of this book. I was referred to as “an ambassador of Kuniczak’s writing.”

Selected Bibliography

Books

  1. Stanisław Wokulski. Bohater <Lalki> B. Prusa. Próba ustalenia charakterystycznych cech osobowości postaci literackiej. Szczecin: Oddział Doskonalenia Nauczycieli, 1989.
  2. <Pan Tadeusz> Adama Mickiewicza. Analiza i interpretacja utworu wraz ze wskazówkami metodycznymi dla nauczycieli. Chicago: Zrzeszenie Nauczycieli Polskich w Ameryce, 1994, 2004.
  3. <Pan Tadeusz> Adama Mickiewicza. Analiza i interpretacja utworu. Materiały pomocnicze dla uczniów. Chicago: Zrzeszenie Nauczycieli Polskich w Ameryce, 1994, 2004.
  4. Stanisław Wokulski i Tomasz Judym. Małość i heroizm. Kraków: LIBRON, 2023.

Polish Writers Abroad, New Books from Our Writers, Part 11: Maria Zakrzewska

Book Chapters

  1. “Analiza opisów przyrody na lekcjach języka polskiego. Ich przydatność w wychowaniu patriotycznym i kształtowaniu wrażliwości estetycznej uczniów.” In Biuletyn Wojewódzkiej Rady Postępu Pedagogicznego w Szczecinie. Z naszych doświadczeń, zeszyt 1. Ed. Edward Homa. Szczecin 1986. 35-48.
  2. “<Pan Tadeusz> Adama Mickiewicza na lekcjach języka polskiego w klasie II liceum ogólnokształcącego lub technikum” In Kształcenie literackie w szkole. Materiały pomocnicze dla studentów Filologii Polskiej Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego T. 1, cz. 2. Ed. Władysława Homowa i Edward Polański. Szczecin 1989. 117-130.
  3. “Daleko od zgiełku.” In W cztery strony naraz. Portrety Karpowicza. Ed. Joanna Roszak. Wrocław: Biuro Literackie, 2010. 190-191.
  4. Contribution to the chapter “Chicago Public Library.” In Współczesne księgozbiory polskie za granicą. Informator. Ed. Barbara Bieńkowska, Elżbieta Maruszak, Jacek Puchalski. Warszawa: Ministerstwo Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego, 2016, T 2. 554-557.
  5. “Chicagowska Biblioteka Publiczna w służbie Polonii.” In Polacy w Chicago. Doświadczenie imigranta: integracja, izolacja, asymilacja. Ed. Adam Walaszek. Warszawa: Muzeum Historii Polski, 2020. 291-319.

Articles in Scholarly Journals

  1. “Język i narracja <Medalionów> Zofii Nałkowskiej a wymowa ideowa utworu.” Polonistyka 7 (1984): 408-413.
  2. “<Ludzie bezdomni> Stefana Żeromskiego. Próba interpretacji wymowy ideowej utworu.” Polonistyka 9 (1985): 687-704.
  3. “The History of the Polish Collection and Programming at the Chicago Public Library.” The Polish Review 69, no. 2 (2024): 68-88.
  4. “Małość i heroizm w literaturze polskiej — Prus contra Żeromski w kanonie lektur szkolnych.” Polonistyka 6 (2025): 29-33.

Book Reviews

  1. “<Ze słowikiem w duszy>. O poezji Teresy Kaczorowskiej.” Review by Maria Zakrzewska in Ciechanowskie Zeszyty Literackie, no. 8, (2006): 168-177.
  2. “<Tłumacz chorób> Jumpy Lahiri – książka, która warto przeczytać.” Review by Maria Zakrzewska in Dziennik Związkowy, (October 27-29 2006): 13, 14.
  3. “<Polacy w Chicago> — nowa książka o Polonii chicagowskiej.” Ed. by Adam Walaszek, review by Maria Zakrzewska in Dziennik Związkowy, (October 1-3, 2021): 11.
  4. “Footprints of Polonia. Polish Historical Sites Across North America.” Ed. Ewa Barczyk, review by Maria Zakrzewska in Pamiętnik Literacki LXVI, London, UK, (Grudzień 2023): 236-239.
  5. “Dorobek pisarski i misja kulturalna polskich emigrantów w Stanach Zjednoczonych Ameryki w latach 1833-1842” [The literary output and cultural mission of Polish immigrants in the United States, 1831- 1842], by Ewa Modzelewska-Opara. Review by Maria Zakrzewska in The Polish Review 69, no. 4 (2024):133-135.
  6. “Maszerując z Kuniczakiem. Druga część wojennej trylogii nareszcie dostępna w języku polskim.” [Marching with Kuniczak. The second part of the war trilogy finally available in Polish.] by W.S. Kuniczak. Review by Maria Zakrzewska in Pamiętnik Literacki LXVIII, London, UK (Grudzień 2024): 199-205.

Books Edited

  1. Christopher K. Kubik Jak korzystać z opieki zdrowotnej w Ameryce. Poradnik praktyczny. AMSYZDRO Co., Chicago 1998.
  2. Christopher K. Kubik Amerykański system opieki zdrowotnej. Podręcznik dla wszystkich t. I-II, AMSYZDRO Co., Chicago 1999.
  3. Małgorzata Pałka Ona po prostu zniknęła. Chicago 2015.

Selected Press Articles

  1. “Z moich doświadczeń. Matura 1991 w Polskiej Szkole im. Św. Maksymiliana Kolbe w Chicago.” Głos Nauczyciela (The Teacher’s Voice), Rok VII, no. 1, (Jan.-Feb.-Mar. 1992): 40-43, 45.
  2. “Droga do znaczenia wiedzie przez kulturę.” Dziennik Związkowy, [Chicago], (Nov. 11-13, 1994): 1, 3, 7, 8.
  3. A series of articles about the Harold Washington Library Center which were published for several months (from September 1994 until June 1995) in the section Vademecum bibliofila in the Monitor – Informational Bulletin [Chicago].
  4. “Polskie słowo, tradycja i historia oraz piękno polskiej książki w Bibliotece H. Washingtona.” Dziennik Związkowy, (March 24-26, 1995):12, 16.
  5. “Biblioteczny kolos w Chicago.” Biuletyn nowości wydawniczych. Megaron, 41 (Sept. 1995): 18-19.
  6. “Obchody Miesiąca Dziedzictwa Polskiego w Chicagowskiej Bibliotece Publicznej.” Dziennik Związkowy, (Oct. 25-27, 1996): 2.
  7. “Miesiąc Dziedzictwa Polskiego w Chicagowskiej Bibliotece Publicznej.” Biuletyn Stowarzyszenia Wspólnota Polska, 2 [Warsaw] (Feb. 1996): 12-14.
  8. “Obchody Miesiąca Dziedzictwa Polskiego w Chicagowskiej Bibliotece Publicznej.” Biuletyn Stowarzyszenia Wspólnota Polska, 12 (Dec. 1996): 17-18.
  9. “Mirosław Rogala: Multimedialny Polish Dance.” Magazyn Sztuki, 15-16 (Mar.-Apr. 1997): 276-281.
  10. “Obchody Miesiąca Dziedzictwa Polskiego w Bibliotece Harolda Washingtona.” Biuletyn Stowarzyszenia Wspólnota Polska, 1, (Jan. 1998): 18-20.
  11. “Chicagowska Biblioteka Publiczna w służbie Polonii. Z okazji jubileuszu 125-lecia.” Dziennik Związkowy, (Dec. 24-27, 1998): 2, 12, 13.
  12. “Jak promować literaturę polską w środowisku amerykańskim?” Dziennik Związkowy, (Jan. 28-30, 2000): 4.
  13. “Z szacunkiem dla historii, tradycji i kultury polskiej.” Dziennik Związkowy, (Nov. 5-7, 2004): 1, 4, 26.
  14. “Hershey Felder w Bibliotece im. Harolda Washingtona.” Dziennik Związkowy (October 7-9, 2005): 1, 3.
  15. “Marcin Januszkiewicz promuje polską muzykę.” Dziennik Związkowy (September 28-30, 2007).
  16. “Promocja polskiej kultury w bibliotece Galewood-Mont Clare.” Dziennik Związkowy (Dec. 7-9, 2007):1,4.
  17. “Stawiamy na młodych. Inicjatywa Polaków z Kanady.” Dziennik Związkowy, (March 21-23, 2008): 1-3.
  18. “W poszukiwaniu nowatorskich dróg rozwoju czytelnictwa.” Dziennik Związkowy, (Feb. 8, 2009): 16.
  19. “Pamięci Abrahama Lincolna i gen. Tadeusza Kościuszki. Wykład historyka prof. Jamesa Puli w Muzeum Polskim w Chicago.” Dziennik Związkowy (February 27-March 1, 2009).
  20. “Spektakl <Life in a Jar> uhonorował Irenę Sendler.” Dziennik Związkowy (March 13-15, 2009): 13, 15.
  21. “Twórczość amerykańskich pisarzy polskiego pochodzenia.” Dziennik Związkowy, (March 27-29, 2009): 13, 15.
  22. “Poprzez Kazachstan, Liban i Anglię do Chicago. Stuletni jubileusz Sabiny Pawlikowskiej.” Dziennik Związkowy (July 24-26, 2009): 8-9.
  23. “Krzysztof Zimowski – propagator muzyki polskiej w USA.” Dziennik Związkowy (August 14-16, 2009): 13, 16.
  24. “Piętnastolecie promowania dziedzictwa polskiego w Chicagowskiej Bibliotece Publicznej.” Dziennik Związkowy (Nov. 20-22, 2009): 13, 15, 16.
  25. “Czy nadal jestem Polką, czy już Amerykanką?” Polki w Świecie, 2 (Wiosna 2010): 56-60.
  26. “Młodzież polonijna ma swoje czasopismo.” Dziennik Związkowy (March 12-14, 2010).
  27. “Pochwała piękna przyrody. Wernisaż Urszuli Leleń w Art Gallery Kafe w Wood Dale.” Dziennik Związkowy (September 24-26, 2010): 17, 20.
  28. “Polscy bibliotekarze w Ameryce.” Dziennik Związkowy (Jan. 21-23, 2011): 6.
  29. “Koncert polskiej muzyki W Nicolas Concert Hall w Evanston.” Dziennik Związkowy (March18-20, 2011): 13, 14.
  30. “O literaturze polskiej i polonijnej.” Dziennik Związkowy (Oct. 5-7, 2012): 11.
  31. “Wszyscy jesteśmy tu tylko na chwilę. O poezji Joanny Kurowskiej.” Dziennik Związkowy (December 21-24, 2012): 11, 13.
  32. “Jaką muzykę tworzą młodzi polscy kompozytorzy? Zaprezentowali ją w Chicago.” Dziennik Związkowy (Nov. 21-23, 2014): 14.
  33. “Miesiąc Dziedzictwa Polskiego z Chicagowską Biblioteką Publiczną.” Dziennik Związkowy (Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2017): 12.
  34. “Polonia chicagowska pożegnała śp. Jolantę Pawlikowską.” Dziennik Związkowy (February 7-9, 2020): 15, 16.
  35. “Chicagowska wizyta Reginy Wasiak-Taylor, prezes Związku Pisarzy Polskich na Obczyźnie.” Dziennik Związkowy (April 5-7, 2024): 5.
  36. “Pamiętajmy o Ralphie Modjeskim.” Dziennik Związkowy (May 10-12, 2024): 7.
  37. “<Marsz> Wiesława Kuniczaka nareszcie w języku polskim.” Dziennik Związkowy (Sept. 20-22, 2024): 11.
  38. “Zasłużony dla Polonii, doktor George Otto.” Dziennik Związkowy (Dec 19-23, 2025): 47-48.
  39. “W służbie histori i biblioteki.” Gwiazda Polarna (Jan 24, 2026): 13.
  40. “Maria Zakrzewska z nagrodą Mieczysława Haimana.” Dziennik Związkowy (Jan 23-29, 2026): 47.

Articles About Maria Zakrzewska and Her Accomplishments

  1. Jon Anderson, “A new Chapter.” The Chicago Tribune (section Tempo p. 1,2), (August 2, 1994).
  2. Alicja Nawara, “Bogactwo języka w <Panu Tadeuszu>. Omówienie lekcji pokazowej” [przeprowadzonej przez Marię Zakrzewską – przyp. MZ]. Głos Nauczyciela, 2-3 (Wiosna-Lato 1995): 74-76.
  3. Ewa Sułkowska-Bierezin, “15 tysięcy tomów, czasopisma, filmy i słuchowiska.” Dziennik Związkowy (January 15-17, 1997): 8.
  4. Ewa Sułkowska-Bierezin, “Weekend pod znakiem koncertów.” Dziennik Związkowy (March 21-23, 1997).
  5. Łukasz Gołębiowski, “Wędrówka książek.” Rzeczpospolita (2 czerwca 1997).
  6. “Polak w świecie. Leksykon Polonii i Polaków za granicą.” Warszawa: Polska Agencja Informacyjna, 2001, 359-360.
  7. Andrzej Mikołajczyk, “Amerykanin o Baczyńskim.” Expatpol.com (October 21, 2004).
  8. Mary Patrice Erdmans, “New Chicago Polonia”, The New Chicago. A Social and Cultural Analysis, Ed. John P. Koval, Larry Bennet, Michael I. J. Bennett, Fassil Demissie, Roberta Garner, and Kiljoong Kim, Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2006, 122.
  9. Geraldine Balut-Coleman, “PAC-IL Salutes Pulaski.” Polish American Journal. (April 2011): 12.
  10. Bożena Jankowska, “I ciąg dalszy nastąpił. Wspomnienia polonijne.” Chicago: ARTPOL, 2013, 98, 378-385.
  11. Alicja Otap, “Maria Zakrzewska wyróżniona przez Fundację Kościuszkowską.” Dziennik Związkowy (Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 2014).
  12. Joanna Trzos, “Maria Zakrzewska wyróżniona za łączenie polskiej społeczności z Chicagowską Biblioteką Publiczną” Dziennik Związkowy (Feb. 3-5, 2023): 12.
  13. Geraldine Balut Coleman, “Zakrzewska Honored by CPL.” Polish American Journal, (Mar. 2023): 14.
  14. Urszula Gawlik, “Promocja książki Marii Zakrzewskiej pod tytułem: <Stanisław Wokulski i Tomasz Judym. Małość i heroizm>.” Dziennik Związkowy (Feb. 16-20, 2024): 7.
  15. Jolanta Chwastyk-Kowalczyk, “Nie ma wiecznego kanonu lektur… Nowe odczytanie Prusa i Żeromskiego”, review of Maria Zakrzewska’s book Stanisław Wokulski i Tomasz Judym. Małość i heroizm. Pamiętnik Literacki, Tom LXVII (Czerwiec 2024): 218-225.
  16. Jola Plesiewicz, “Po 45 latach od opublikowania w języku angielskim <Marszu> W. S Kuniczaka, polskojęzyczna edycja stała się faktem.” Dziennik Związkowy (October 4-10, 2024): 11, 15.
  17. Edward Dusza, “115 Biesiada Grupy Poetyckiej Arka.” Gwiazda Polarna No. 23, (Nov. 15, 2025): 15, 28.
  18. Edward Dusza, “115. Biesiada Grupy Poetyckiej ARKA” Dziennik Związkowy (Nov. 14-20, 2025): 42.
  19. Andrzej Baraniak, “115 Biesiada Grupy Poetyckiej <Arka>.” Tygodnik Express nr. 48 (1672) (Nov 20-26, 2025): 47.
  20. Andrzej Baraniak, “O historii Polonii na 82 Zjeździe PAHA w Chicago.” Dziennik Związkowy (Jan 16-22, 2026): 45.
  21. Iwona Flis, “Jeszcze o Zjeździe PAHA w Chicago.” Dziennik Związkowy (Nov 23-29, 2026): 46-47.
  22. See also highlights of the activities of The KF Chicago Chapter in The Kosciuszko Foundation Newsletters published in New York, NY.
Maria Zakrzewska at the Dominican University (November 2025).

Maria Zakrzewska at the Dominican University (Nov. 2025). Photo by Hal Trychta.

Interviews

  1. “Sami nie wiemy, co posiadamy” [interview with Wiesław Książek], Relax, 45, (Nov. 11 1995): 44-45.
  2. “O obchodach Miesiąca Dziedzictwa Polskiego” [interview with Danuta Peszyńska], Monitor, Chicago, (Oct. 1996): 25, 27.
  3. “Chcę zostawić tu jak najwięcej polskich śladów” [interview with Elżbieta Ślosarska], Nowy Dziennik, [New York, NY], (June 28, 1998): 16.
  4. “Ethnic Programs for children” [interview with Ruben Cruz] Esta Semana, Chicago Fox TV show with Ruben Cruz, Sept. 19, 2000.
  5. I participated in ”The Chicago Public Library Presents” shows on MUTV channel 23, hosted by the Commissioner of the CPL, Mary Dempsey. This program highlighted collections, services and programs available at the CPL. In October 2001, I had the occasion to talk about Polish programs and services.
  6. “Czy praca może być nudna?” [interview with Bożena Jankowska], Dziennik Związkowy (Feb. 11-13, 2005): 1, 8, 9.
  7. “Polskie tradycje interesują Amerykanów” [interview with Bożena Jankowska] Dziennik Związkowy (Nov. 9-11, 2007): 1, 8.
  8. Several interviews for Polish radio stations and Polvision about CPL programs between 1994-2013, with Robert Lewandowski, Idalia Błaszczyk, Ewa Staniszewska, Piotr Latałło, Elżbieta Sawczuk and Grażyna Zajączkowska.
  9. Podcast by Joanna Trzos “Czytelnictwo i amerykańskie biblioteki”, January 24, 2023.
  10. Invitation to a program to be organized at the Dwell Studio in Chicago on Sept. 28, 2024 promoting Marsz by W. S. Kuniczak [interview with Krzysztof Arsenowicz], Polish Radio 1030 AM, Sept. 22, 2024 at 12:30 — 12:40 PM.
  11. “Report on promoting Marsz by W. S. Kuniczak in the Chicago metropolitan area” [interview with Jolanta Santocka], Polish Radio 1030 AM, Sept. 30, 2024 at 8:00 — 8:30 PM.
  12. Maria Zakrzewska - zasłużona dla Polonii Chicagowskiej (250 years of the United States, its heroes and our, Polish-American, contribution to this great project) by Barbara Marta Żmudka, Polish Radio 92.7 FM, Jan 16, 2026 at 11:25-11:35 AM.

Annotated Bibliography

Prepared for the Chicago Public Library

  1. 1996 – “Polish Genealogy”
  2. 1996 – “Warsaw-Warszawa”
  3. 1996 – “Polish Theatre and Cinema” (with Margarete Gross)
  4. 1996 – “Poles in America”
  5. 1997 – “Polish Arts and Crafts” (with Margaret Gross)
  6. 1998 – “Polish Poetry” (in cooperation with Poetry Committee at CPL)
  7. 2001 – “Casimir Pulaski”
  8. 2004 – “Warsaw Uprising” (with Elizabeth Ptasik)
  9. 2006 – “Polish Performing Arts” (with Isabella Nowak-Osika)
  10. 2007 – “History of Poland” (with Isabella Nowak-Osika)
  11. 2009 – “American Writers of Polish Descent”

Other

  1. 1995 – “Bibliography of Polish Literature translated in English in 1989-1994” (for Quarterly 2B)

Public Lectures and Presentations

  1. April 1993 – presentation of a sample lesson (lekcja pokazowa dla nauczycieli) for the sophomore year in high school. It was titled “Bogactwo języka w <Panu Tadeuszu> na podstawie opisów przyrody. Mickiewicz – artystą słowa” (Variety of picturesque language in <Pan Tadeusz> by Adam Mickiewicz). This presentation in a form of video was shown during the IV Conference of Polish Language Teachers in Mundelein, IL (May 26-29, 1995).
  2. October 24, 1998 – bilingual lecture by Ingrid Lesley and Maria Zakrzewska titled “The Chicago Public Library and the Polish Community” at Harold Washington Library Center on the occasion of celebrating Polish American Heritage Month.
  3. Jan. 27 and Feb. 3, 2000 – Presentation on Polish version of CARL (Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries – computerized maintenance and management system) during a workshop (All Staff Institute Day) for Automation Update 2000 at the Chicago Public Library (CPL).
  4. Dec. 14, 2000 – “Why it is good to read?” – Presentation for students at Elmwood Park High School on benefits of reading (Elmwood Park, IL).
  5. Oct. 30, 2008 – “The life and Sacrifice of Irena Sendler, who Saved 2,500 Jewish Children During World War II.” This lecture was provided at the Polish Consulate in Chicago on an occasion of inviting CPL’s guests from Uniontown High School in Kansas, who developed a project “Life in a Jar.”
  6. February 9, 2011 – with Alina Szymczyk, I organized a program devoted to the new released poetry book “Kończą się wiśnie” by Teresa Kaczorowska. I introduced the poet and read some of her poems. The program took place at the Jesuits Center of Chicago.
  7. Oct. 13, 2011 – as part of “Spotlight on Chicago” I represented CPL at the Chicago Cultural Center promoting CPL activities and programs.
  8. March 9, 2013 – a lecture about CPL collections and services (for example interlibrary loan) for the Polish Section of The International Woman Associates.
  9. April 5, 2018 – I introduced the author of a book “Pomagając kobietom i matce naturze” -- Dr Ewa Radwańska and conducted discussion during the program which took place at the Polish Museum of America in Chicago.
  10. Dec. 9, 2023 – lecture for teachers of Polish Saturday schools at the Niles Public Library, Niles, IL, titled “Jak z pomocą dzieł literatury polskiej promować postawy patriotyczne uczniów szkół polonijnych” (Ways to encourage patriotic thoughts and feelings through the use of Polish literary works). At the same meeting, I promoted my book Stanisław Wokulski i Tomasz Judyn. Małość i heroizm (2023 by LIBRON)
    Maria Zakrzewska at the Niles Public Library in Niles, IL

    Dec. 9, 2023 – lecture for teachers of the Polish Saturday schools at the Niles Public Library. Photo by Ryszard Siek.

  11. Feb. 26, 2024 – I promoted my book Stanisław Wokulski i Tomasz Judyn. Małość i heroizm, published by LIBRON in Kraków, 2023 – at the monthly meeting of the Polish American Congress, IL Division (PAC, IL Div.).
  12. Sept. 23, 2024 – promoted W. S. Kuniczak’s book Marsz published by Księgarnia Akademicka in Kraków, 2023 – at the monthly meeting of PAC, IL Div.
  13. Sept. 28, 2024 – Multimedia promotion of Marsz by W. S. Kuniczak at Dwell Studio in Chicago. The presention included a video connection with Dr. Ewa Modzelewska-Opara and Prof. Bogusław Dopart of the Jagiellonian University. Also shown was a video of Adam Lejczak, the President of Księgarnia Akademicka in Kraków. Actresses Kinga Modjeska and Julitta Mroczkowska-Brecher read passages from Marsz.
    Program promoting Marsz by W. S. Kuniczak in Dwell Studio, Chicago

    Sept. 28, 2024 – Promotion of Marsz by W. S. Kuniczak at the Dwell Studio in Chicago, Maria Zakrzewska, Dr. Ewa Modzelewska Opara and Prof. Bogusław Dopart. Photo by Gregory Grzywacz.

  14. Oct. 25, 2024, during the Kościuszko’s Name Day program at the Polish Museum in Chicago, I promoted Marsz by W. S. Kuniczak.
  15. Oct. 2, 2025, I gave a lecture on specific characteristics of the language of poetry, different stylistic and literary devices (metaphors, personifications, onomatopoeia, etc.). This lecture took place during an event organized by Elżbieta Chojnowska, leader of the Arka poetry group, at the Cucina Biagio restaurant in Harwood Heights, IL.
Lecture on poetry for Arka poetry group.

Lecture on poetry for Arka poetry group (Oct. 2, 2025). From left: Agnieszka Malicka, Elżbieta Chojnowska and Maria Zakrzewska. Photo by Andrzej Baraniak.

Conference Presentations

  1. May 17, 1995 – The Illinois Library Association (ILA) Centennial Conference at the Palmer House Hilton, in Chicago. Presentation of the Polish-language materials acquired through the LSCA Title I Grant for CPL.
  2. August 3-5, 1995 – “Libraries in Europe’s Post Communist Countries: Their International Context” at the International Slavic Librarians’ Conference in Kraków-Przegorzały, Poland. The title of my presentation at the Poster Session – “Slavic Collection at the Chicago Public Library.”
  3. October 22, 1997 – Conference of Polish Language Teachers at Columbia University in New York, NY – moderator of discussion on “New Technologies in Libraries and their Role in Education.”
  4. April 22, 2005 – “Significance of Ethnic Libraries” – Conference organized by The Polish Museum of Chicago on an occasion of 90 anniversary of this Museum. Presentation on Polish collection and programming at CPL.
  5. October 14, 2005 – Illinois Library Association (ILA) Conference in Peoria, IL, titled “Serving Ethnic Populations – Planning Programs and Building Collections” – panelist discussed “Serving the Polish Ethnic Group.”
  6. October 15-16, 2009 – “The Polish American Community. Challenges and Opportunities” – National Conference organized by the Polish American Congress at Northeastern Illinois University. I served as a panelist in a session titled “Preservation and Promotion of Polish Culture and Heritage in the United States.”
  7. June 14-15, 2018 – “Poles in Chicago: The Experience of an Immigrant. Integration, Isolation, Assimilation” – The International Conference in Warszawa, Poland organized by The Museum of History of Poland. I served as a panelist discussing the subject “The Chicago Public Library in the Service of Polonia.”

Member of

  1. Founder and Chairperson (1995 - 2013) of the Polish American Heritage Committee, later named Polish American Services Committee (PASC).
  2. The Kosciuszko Foundation (1995-present member of the Executive Committee of the Chicago Chapter; in years 1995-2005 and 2022-present – Vice President of the Chicago Chapter of the KF).
  3. Polish American Teachers Association in the USA (1989-1993, 2022-present).
  4. Polish American Librarians Association (2013-present).
  5. International Women Associates (Polish Section – 2013-2019, Vice President).
  6. The Polish American Congress, IL Division (2014-present).
  7. Polish American Historical Association (2018-present).
  8. The Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences (2022-present).
  9. Polish Writers Abroad (2022-present).

Awards and Honors

  1. 1998 – Order of Cultural Merit (odznaka “Zasłużony dla kultury polskiej”) conferred by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Poland for organizing programs displaying Poland’s cultural heritage and promoting CPL’s Polish resources.
  2. 2000 – Outstanding Public Service Award from a former Illinois State Treasurer, Judy Bar Topinka.
  3. 2000 – My name, photo and bio were included in the exhibit titled “Polki 2000” (Polish Women 2000) which was on display at the State of Illinois Building in down town Chicago (100 W. Randolf St.) during the month of October.
  4. 2001 – My name and biography were included in the lexicon Polak w Świecie (Poles Abroad) published by Polska Agencja Informacyjna, Warszawa, 359-360.
  5. 2008 – (Nov. 17, 2008) Invitation from Mr. Lech Kaczynski, former President of the Republic of Poland to attend the ceremony in Warszawa, Poland, entitled “Przywracanie pamięci.” The event was dedicated to Poles who rescued Jews during the Holocaust. This invitation was connected with some programs, which I have devoted to Jews, for example programs about Irena Sendler, Jan Karski and Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
  6. 2011 – “Soldier of Liberty” award from the Polish American Congress, IL Division.
  7. 2014 – Recognition from the Chicago Chapter of the Kościuszko Foundation for “many years of promoting Polish culture, leadership and dedication serving as an Officer and Vice-President of the Chapter.”
  8. 2019 – On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of St. Maksymilian Kolbe Polish Language School – special diploma of recognition for “educational activities, perseverance, heart and devotion to students.”
  9. 2023 – Chicago Public Library on its 150th anniversary decided to honor “prominent CPL figures.” In a blog entry: Maria Zakrzewska: Connecting CPL and the Polish Community, I was referred to as “a tireless champion of initiative to create services to connect Chicago’s Polish community with the public library.”
  10. 2023 — Acknowledgement in Marsz by W. S. Kuniczak, published by Ksiągarnia Akademicka, Kraków 2023, on page 957.
    Marsz Acknowledgement of Maria Zakrzewska

    Acknowledgement on p. 957 of the novel Marsz by W. S. Kuniczak published by Księgarnia Akademicka in 2023.

    English Summary of p. 957 included in Marsz by W.S. Kuniczak published by Księgarnia Akademicka, Kraków 2023. (translated to English by MZ):

    The publisher of this edition of Marsz expressed gratitude to Maria Zakrzewska for her contribution, especially collecting funds among Polonia, so that this book could be published. The publisher and editors named Maria Zakrzewska, who devoted her professional career to dissemination, appreciation and love toward Polish literature, “an ambassador of Kuniczak's literary output.” A part of a full page comment includes a picture of Dr. Ewa Modzelewska-Opara (left), who wrote the introduction and references to Marsz and Maria Zakrzewska (right). The picture was taken in Szczebrzeszyn, Poland, in the summer of 2022 by Bogusław Modzelewski.

  11. 2025 — Awarded with the Mieczysław Haiman Award, presented annually to a scholar for sustained contributions to the study of Polish Americans. The recognition was presented to me at the Polish American Historical Association (PAHA) Annual Awards Banquet held at the Polish Museum of America in Chicago on January 10, 2026.
    Maria Zakrzewska receives the Mieczysław Haiman Award.

    Jan 10, 2026 – Maria Zakrzewska receives the Mieczysław Haiman Award. Photo by Bogdan Zakrzewski.