The pace of modern life may race along the subway tracks beneath Warsaw, but now, commuters have a new reason to pause and pick up a book: the city’s first-ever library housed inside a metro station.
On September 4, the “Metroteka” officially opened its doors at Kondratowicza metro station, inviting travelers and locals alike to explore more than 16,000 books in an inventive 150-square-meter space. As part of a collaborative push by the Targówek Public Library, Targówek District Council, and the Warsaw Metro Authority, the initiative seeks to redefine public engagement with literature and culture.
Visitors stepping into Metroteka find a fresh vision for libraries. Designed by pracownia Grzegorza Kłody GK-Atelier, the interior features undulating bookshelves that maximize storage and create an inviting environment, complemented by dedicated tables and a children’s corner. In keeping with its commuter-friendly site, the library offers laptops for on-the-spot work, free Wi-Fi, and a self-service coffee machine dispensing coffee, tea, and cocoa.
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Embracing self-sufficiency and the digital age, Metroteka incorporates technology that allows patrons to borrow and return books independently — a convenience aimed at busy city dwellers. Board games are also on hand for those seeking a more playful break from the city rush, while a selection of hydroponic plants, including vines and aromatic herbs, enhances the contemporary ambiance.
Speaking about the unique project, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski commented on social media: “Didn’t I say that the metro is a good place to read?”
But Metroteka’s ambitions go beyond lending books. The library plans to serve as a vital hub for community learning, promising regular author meet-and-greets, workshops, and classes for all ages. Its organizers hope the space fosters both quiet reading and creative experiences, making literature and learning unavoidable parts of everyday urban life.
Open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Metroteka stands as a testament to Warsaw’s commitment to cultural accessibility and innovation. For commuters, book lovers, and curious minds, the Warsaw metro now offers not only a way home — but also a place to discover new worlds, one page at a time.
