North Dakota institute receives author's library (05/30/99)

North Dakota institute receives author's library

by Agnes Palanuk

DICKINSON, N.D. - For 40 years Marie Halun Bloch's library served as reference and consultation for the books she wrote - "Aunt America," "The Two Worlds of Damyan," "Displaced Person" - 18 in all. The 11-volume Slovnyk Ukrainskoyi Movy (Dictionary of the Ukrainian Language) assisted in the translations of "Ukrainian Folk Tales" and "Pilgrims of the Prairie." Titles like "Komarno" provided background for the family history.

In February 1998 the books were closed for the last time. Marie Halun Bloch died at the age of 88 at her daughter's home in Cambridge, Mass.

"What to do with mother's library? This library, mother gathered over a period of 40 years. It was her wish that it be donated to a Ukrainian institution of a lively and active nature where the books would find interested readers," stated her daughter, Hilary Bloch Hopkins.

Among her mother's collection, Ms. Hopkins found a 12-page newsletter journal published by the Ukrainian Cultural Institute of North Dakota. Reading through the publication, she thought that the institute might well be a fitting repository for her mother's library. Accordingly, she made arrangements to visit the North Dakota Ukrainian Cultural Institute in Dickinson.

About 12 people from near and far gathered on a recent Saturday afternoon to meet the potential donor, and to give the donor an opportunity to meet representatives of the Ukrainian community. Ms. Hopkins talked about her mother, the books she wrote and the library she had amassed.

The name "Marie Halun Bloch" was already familiar in North Dakota. It was she who translated the memoirs of Andrew Dubovy and opened the doors to the knowledge of the roots of children of the immigrants who settled in central North Dakota.

After her visit, Ms. Hopkins wrote, "I am delighted to make this gift (the library) in my mother's name to the Ukrainian community in North Dakota. Once again the books will be surrounded by Ukrainians and that would have made my precious mother very happy."

The Marie Halun Bloch library consists of about 900 volumes in Ukrainian and English, on a wide variety of topics: history, folklore, arts, literature, architecture, politics. Some books are at elementary level, including books for children: others are for more knowledgeable readers, and some are scholarly. The library was appraised at $14,140.

In addition to donating the books, the cost of appraising, cataloguing and shipping, Ms. Hopkins donated the cost of building shelving for the books at the institute. She also sponsored a bookplate, designed by North Dakota artist Rosemary Demaniow, and this was placed in the books alongside the original bookplate designed for Mrs. Bloch by Jacques Hnizdovsky. The new bookplate reads, "Gift of Marie Halun Bloch, Daughter of Ukraine, Citizen of America."

The Ukrainian Cultural Institute prepared to receive the Marie Halun Bloch library by contracting the design and building of the bookshelves to Leo's Cabinetry. This designer had previously built a memorial exhibit cabinet for the institute, incorporating into it a Byzantine motif.

Housed at the institute library are historical religious appointments of the former St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church. It is here that, beginning in the fall of this year, a course title "Introduction to Ukrainian History and Culture," sponsored by the Ukrainian Studies of Dickinson State University, will be taught.

The Ukrainian Cultural Institute was organized 19 years ago to "preserve, promote and display Ukrainian culture through education." Its dedication to its mission has garnered for it not only support from the Ukrainian community, but also recognition from state residents and governmental agencies. Its location near Interstate I 94 and International Highway 85, attracts visitors from many parts of the continent. The latest promotional city grant is for the institute to provide guided tours for school groups in the tri-state area.

Marie Halun Bloch's wish that her library be surrounded with life and activity has been assured by the Ukrainian Cultural Institute.

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