Library

Libraries in Lower Silesia: reading rooms, neighbourhood branches and collections with a history. See where to sit with a book when it rains.

Which library should you visit in Wrocław?

In the centre, start with the Tadeusz Mikulski Lower Silesian Public Library, a regional public library founded in 1945 at Rynek 58. On Teatralny Square you will find the Mediateka, a branch focused on multimedia collections, with VR goggles and Language Cafe meetings. The Archdiocesan Library on Cathedral Square, founded in 1947, has worked since 2020 in a new building together with the Chapter Library and the Archdiocesan Archive.

The area around Grunwaldzki Square is a university campus. The University Library at Joliot-Curie 12 is the main library of the University of Wrocław, with roots in the 18th-century Leopoldina. The Medical University runs its own library, founded in 1946, with holdings in medicine and pharmacy, and the Main Reading Room works in building D-21 at Grunwaldzki Square with access to electronic resources. The Faculty of Law, Administration and Economics has a library at Uniwersytecka 7-10 with a main reading room in building D. For the municipal offer, see the page libraries in Wrocław.

Which neighbourhood branches have something special?

The branches of Wrocław's municipal library differ in profile. Branch no. 22 in Nowy Dwór has the largest fantasy collection in Wrocław and a reading room in a garden. Branch no. 45 in Przedmieście Oławskie focuses on contemporary fiction, crime and fantasy, and has a renovated children's corner. Branch no. 55 gathered twelve thousand titles, including crime and fantasy collections, and delivers books to the homes of sick people. Branch no. 23 stands by the Ikar boulevard, with an art gallery, books in foreign languages and weekly technical help for seniors.

In Lipa Piotrowska, branch no. 15 works on the ground floor of a residents' council building, with a children's corner and books in Ukrainian. Branch no. 46 in Księże carries the Library Without Barriers mark, a collection about Wrocław and Lower Silesia and a programme promoting local artists.

Where is a library without barriers?

Several branches write openly about accessibility. Branch no. 7 in Maślice is adapted to people with limited mobility, friendly to autistic visitors and delivers books. Branch no. 17 in Ołtaszyn has been adapted for people with mobility disabilities. The branch in Księże mentioned above carries the Library Without Barriers mark. If someone in your group moves more slowly, these are a safe place to start.

Which libraries are worth checking outside Wrocław?

In Świdnica the Norwid Municipal Public Library has its seat on Franciszkańska Street and three branches in the city. The Centrum Wiedzy library in Bolesławiec offers a digital catalogue, e-books and more than ten discussion clubs. In Jawor the library on Seniora Square gives access to Legimi, Polona and Academica, and organises a cycle of city walks.

In Góra, the Henryk Sienkiewicz Municipal Library has over 51 thousand books and theme clubs. In Bielawa the library on Piastowska Street has a regional research department and a 24-hour drop box for returned books. In Świebodzice the Maria Dąbrowska library has a separate seat for children and a Living Library club. In Strzegom, a library with branches in six villages runs a digital archive of local chronicles.

Are there libraries in unusual buildings?

Yes. In Lwówek Śląski the County and Municipal Public Library sits in the historic town hall on the market square and has worked since 1946. In Boguszów-Gorce the Witold Shaft is a former hard coal mine shaft, today a cultural centre with a library, a memorial room and an observation tower. In Legnica the Ekobiblioteka is a specialist branch with a nature collection and ecology classes for children. In Kąty Wrocławskie the municipal library at Rynek 2 was founded in 1946-1947 as the first public library in the Wrocław county.

What does a library give the communes around Wrocław?

Commune networks link many villages. The Municipal Library in Długołęka is the hub of eight branches, runs the Wandering Library programme and offers e-books. In Żmigród the main library of the commune works in the building of the Cultural Centre and has four village branches. The branch in Nadolice Wielkie has a discussion club for adults, and the branch in Bielany Wrocławskie, part of the Kobierzyce commune network, is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. In Bogatynia the library named after Polish Nobel laureates has branches in Zatonie, Porajów and Działoszyn.

Is a library a good plan for a solo outing or for two?

Every library on the list carries the Solo tag, so it is a place for a quiet afternoon on your own. Many also carry the For couples tag, for example the Mediateka, branch no. 22 or the library in Jawor, as a place to browse books together. In Głogów branch no. 1 on Budowlanych Street offers a virtual tour of its interior online, so you can look before you leave home. Nearby the neighbourhood branch no. 2 BLOG works on Perseusza Street. In Lubin the neighbourhood branch no. 4 on Jastrzębia Street is part of the network next to the main seat on Odrodzenia.

Frequently asked questions

Where in Wrocław can I wait out the rain with a book?

All libraries on this list carry the Rainy day tag. In the centre, check the Lower Silesian Public Library on the Market Square or the Mediateka on Teatralny Square.

Do libraries have e-books?

Many do. E-books are offered by the libraries in Długołęka and Bolesławiec, among others, and in Jawor you get access to Legimi, Polona and Academica.

Which library is good for children?

Children's corners are found in branches no. 15 and 45 in Wrocław, a separate children's seat in the Świebodzice library, and ecology classes at the Ekobiblioteka in Legnica.

Can I return a book after hours?

In Bielawa, on Piastowska Street, there is a 24-hour drop box for returned books. In other places, ask about the rules on site.