Metroteka Brings 16,000 Books to Warsaw Metro Commuters

Jerusalem, 4 September, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Warsaw (PAP) – On Thursday, Metroteka – the first library in the Warsaw metro – opened at the Kondratowicza metro station in Targówek.

Readers will be able to choose from over 16,000 books – from new releases, through novels and biographies, guides, publications on Warsaw studies, manuals, and even literature for children and young people.

“The space has been divided into zones – separate ones for children and adults, which guarantees comfort and tailors the offerings to different needs. Additionally, the library will feature a relaxation area and laptops,” Warsaw City Hall announced.

A unique element of Metroteka is hydroponics, i.e. the soilless cultivation of plants – flowers and herbs under artificial lighting.

City Hall explained that thanks to the RFID system (radio frequency identification technology that uses microchips embedded in books) and self-check devices (self-service stations that allow readers to independently borrow and return books, films, or audiobooks), users can check out and return books themselves. The service system also supports the ground-based book vending machine at 20 Kondratowicza Street, and more “24-hour Library” book vending machines will soon be added to Targówek.

“Metroteka is not limited to lending books. It is also a cultural and educational center – a space for author meetings, artist exhibitions, and workshops. Additionally, a multimedia interactive monitor will allow for the organization of modern lessons and presentations,” explained City Hall.

Metro station libraries already operate in cities such as London, New York, Singapore, and Beijing.