The Public Library of the Capital City of Warsaw, which also serves as the Main Library of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, is one of the largest and oldest institutions of its kind in Poland. Its collection of approximately 1.5 million volumes has been serving readers for more than a century and is a centre of science, culture and education.
At the turn of the 20th century, the lack of major public libraries in Warsaw was a serious problem. Significant collections were only found in elite libraries, such as the libraries of the Zamoyski and Krasinski families, or in the Russian university library, which limited wider access to knowledge.
Elevation design, 1912. Source: Tygodnik Illustrowany Warszawa
One of the first people to draw attention to the need for a public bookstore was Jadwiga Dawidowa. In her 1897 publication, she postulated the establishment of a scientific library in Warsaw, following the example of solutions from England, Switzerland, Russia or the United States. These efforts did not bear fruit until after 1906, when more liberal legislation made it possible to establish a Public Library Society. Among the founders were prominent intellectuals such as Ludwik Krzywicki, Samuel Dickstein, Stanisław Michalski and Stefan Żeromski.
The library’s first premises were located at 1 Rysia Street (today Dąbrowskiego Square). Thanks to its combination with the collections of the Scientific Reading Room, the library already had 3,000 works and numerous yearbooks of periodicals at its disposal at the beginning of its operation. In 1914, the library moved to a newly constructed building at 26 Koszykowa St. The building, designed by Jan Heurich the younger, was built thanks to the foundation of Eugenia Kierbedziowa, who actively participated in the design of its interior. The book collection grew rapidly, enriched by donations from publishing houses, bookshops and private individuals. Particularly valuable were the collections of Zygmunt Gloger, Zygmunt Wolski, Walenty Dutkiewicz and the legacy of Bolesław Prus.
Koszykowa Street and the library building in 1945 and 2024. Source: Digital National Library Polona and whiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
The Second World War was an extremely difficult time for the Public Library. During the Warsaw Uprising, the building on Koszykowa Street served as a shelter and workplace for those involved in the resistance movement. After the fall of the uprising, the Germans set fire to the building, resulting in the loss of 84% of the valuable collection. After the war, the library was rebuilt and its reading room reopened as early as 1945. The collection was reconstructed thanks to donations, purchases and the revindication of books looted by the occupying forces. Between 1968 and 1973, a new section was added to house the reading rooms. Since 1975, the Public Library has served as the main library of the region.
A fragment of the façade after the war and today. Source: Digital National Library Polona and whiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
Today, the building on Koszykowa Street is a modern institution, continuing its traditions unbroken. A major modernisation of its premises was completed in 2015, and the building has won praise from users. The library extension project was designed by the Bulanda, Mucha – Architekci Sp. z o.o. studio. The interior design was the responsibility of Dawos Sp. z o.o., while the construction was carried out by a consortium of Mota-Engil Central Europe S.A. and Mota-Engil Engenharia e Construcao S.A.. Investor supervision was entrusted to Bud-Invent Sp. z o.o.
The new part in 1973 and today. Source: NAC – National Digital Archive www.nac.gov.pl/ and whiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
As part of the ongoing project “Extension and modernisation of the Main Library of the Mazovian Voivodeship”, a number of comprehensive measures have been taken. The old library annexes were demolished, the entire property was given a basement and the courtyards were covered with a glass roof. A modern reading room complex and a new office building, equipped with the latest facilities, were also built.
The public library in 1979 and 2024. Source: Stolica weekly no. 09 (1628) 04.03.1979 and whiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
The expansion has resulted in the creation of modern spaces that provide direct access to books in a comfortable environment. Storage areas have been significantly increased and spaces have been created for conferences and exhibitions. The new spaces have also been adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities. In total, the library’s floor space has increased by an impressive 2924 sq m.
The library’s collection is universal in nature, including Polish prints from the 19th century onwards, periodicals, manuscripts and unique varsaviana. Its holdings include documents with the signatures of Polish kings, autographs of writers such as Bolesław Prus and Zygmunt Krasiński, and valuable incunabula. One of the most important institutions operating within the library is the Children’s Book Museum, which conducts research and popularises literature for the youngest.
Source: nocbibliotek2024.ceo.org.pl, koszykowa.pl
Read also: History | Library | Education | Warsaw | whiteMAD on Instagram
