The American Corner

The American Corners project is a partnership between the U.S. Government and Belarusian libraries. The project was launched in 2001 by the U.S. Embassy to make information about the United States more readily accessible to Belarusian citizens. There are currently 12 corners in Belarus, including mine which is located in the Grodno Regional Scientific Library, just across the street from GSU university. Elize Ozheshko, a famous Polish writer, used to live in the house that was converted into this small library. GSU and the American Corner are located on Ozheshko Street, in her honor. An interesting fact, during WWII (or the Great Patriotic War around here) it was called Hitler Street. Every Sunday afternoon, I provide a free English Conversation Club to the local community. The club attracts a variety of people all of whom want to practice their English, learn more about the United States, and share their culture and life experiences. I really enjoy the people at the American Corner as we have developed an intercultural approach to our meetings, which means I am learning a lot of interesting things about Belarus too. Check out my photos under “American Corner.” I will add more as the year progresses.