An “express” library has opened at a new metro station in Warsaw, offering a welcoming cultural space designed to draw residents and commuters away from their smartphones and toward books. It also features a vertical garden with fresh herbs, adding a touch of greenery underground.
Named Metroteka, the stylish library opened this week at the Kondratowicza station on the M2 line in Warsaw’s Targówek district. It includes separate reading areas for adults and children, as well as a space for public readings and events.
The 150-square-meter library houses around 16,000 books, which can be borrowed using a contactless chip at a self-checkout machine. Books can be returned either on-site or through a 24/7 street-level locker.
Visitors can study or work in a shared area, borrow a laptop to use the internet, or enjoy a free coffee or hot chocolate to relax after their commute.
A hydroponic garden wall grows fresh herbs like basil and oregano, along with flowers such as nasturtiums and pansies, without needing soil or natural sunlight.
Grażyna Strzelczak-Batkowska, deputy director of Targówek Library, says, “Our dream is for Metroteka to become an educational and cultural hub, not just a place to borrow books.” The garden wall, for example, will host discussions on food security, sustainability, and climate action.
She notes that the underground location makes the library more accessible to busy commuters, both in distance and time. “I always joke that books aren’t made of glass—you can just pop in, grab a few, use the self-checkout, and you’re off on a new adventure,” she adds.
On its first day, over 400 books were borrowed, including recommended school readings, travel guides, and various how-to books.
The library’s innovative approach aims to encourage more reading among Poles. According to the National Library’s annual survey, only 41% of respondents had read at least one book in 2024, down from rates in the high 50s during the late 1990s and early 2000s, as people increasingly turn to TV, streaming, and phones for entertainment.
Tomasz Makowski, director of the National Library, notes that while Poland’s reading rates are higher than in southern Europe, they lag behind Nordic countries and even the neighboring Czech Republic. He points to historical reasons—such as the loss of 70% of libraries during World War II—which meant several generations grew up without seeing parents or grandparents surrounded by books. Culturally, reading is often associated with school and childhood rather than adulthood.
“Opening a library in a metro station is a dream for us,” says Makowski, as it helps challenge that stereotype. “Libraries should be beautiful, open, and inviting—not intimidating. They’re not shrines, but places where people can spend time freely, join discussions, or meet others.”
The National Library has also introduced a “loud” reading room, breaking from the tradition of silence. “No one shushes you or tells you to be quiet,” Makowski explains. “To our surprise, it’s still fairly quiet, but people also talk, tutor, and give lessons there.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about Warsaws express metro station library
General Information
Q What is the express metro station library
A Its a new initiative where small free libraries are installed inside Warsaws metro stations They are stocked with books for commuters to borrow and read during their journey
Q Where exactly are these libraries located
A They are currently being piloted in some of the busiest central stations like witokrzyska and Centrum Look for special bookshelves or kiosks near the platforms
Q Is there a cost to use the library
A No its completely free to borrow a book
Q How does it work Do I need a library card
A No library card is needed It operates on an honor system You simply take a book youd like to read and if you can return it or another book on your next trip
Benefits Purpose
Q Why was this library created
A The main goal is to encourage people to take a break from their phone screens reduce digital fatigue and use their commute time to relax with a good book
Q What are the benefits of reading a book instead of using my phone
A Reading a physical book can help reduce eye strain from screens lower stress levels improve focus and offer a more immersive and uninterrupted experience
Q Does this help build a sense of community
A Absolutely It creates a shared resource for commuters and encourages a culture of sharing and trust among strangers
Practical Usage
Q What kind of books can I find there
A Youll find a variety of genres including popular fiction bestsellers classics short story collections and nonfiction all chosen for a engaging commute
Q What if I dont finish the book on my commute
A Thats fine You can take it with you and bring it back to any express library station when youre done The idea is to keep the books circulating
Q Am I expected to return the exact same book I took
A Not necessarily While returning the same book is great you are also welcome to contribute by returning a different book from your own collection to keep the library stocked for others
