POLISH librarian Joanna Wcislo was given a print of a painting by Darwen artist James Hargreaves during a fact-finding mission to the borough’s libraries.

Joanna, 32, of Czluchow, Poland, visited Darwen and Blackburn libraries during a visit made possible by the Grundtvig programme, aimed at people who want to travel abroad to see how different institutions work.

Joanna said: “I love your diversity, there are so many people here from around the world.”

“It is a really interesting place with a lot of really interesting people.

“The libraries in Blackburn with Darwen provide a really open space for everyone, regardless of age or gender and they provide workshops for people with difficult social backgrounds, so I think this is great.

“I think you should be really proud of your local library.”