National Library Report Finds Book Readership to Be ‘Stable’ in Poland

Why It Matters

A stable readership base signals a resilient cultural sector, while the proposed price‑fixing law could reshape distribution, pricing power, and profitability for Polish publishers and booksellers.

Key Takeaways

• 41% of Poles 15+ read a book in 2025, stable year‑over‑year
• Reading rates highest among 15‑24 year olds at 45%
• Crime, romance and sci‑fi/fantasy genres see rising popularity
• Print books dominate, yet younger readers favor digital formats
• Poland plans a 12‑month fixed‑price law to protect book market

Pulse Analysis

Poland’s book market shows a rare equilibrium, with 41% of adults reporting at least one title read in the past year. The figure, unchanged from 2024, suggests that recent digital disruptions have not eroded overall consumption. However, the demographic split is pronounced: nearly half of the 15‑24 cohort engages with books, compared with just a third of seniors. This generational gap reflects broader shifts toward mobile reading, even as printed volumes retain the majority share, underscoring the hybrid nature of Polish reading habits.

Genre analysis reveals a nuanced cultural palate. Crime and thriller narratives have surged, resonating across social strata, while romance novels dominate female readership, accounting for 30% of women readers versus 4% of men. Science‑fiction and fantasy attract younger, predominantly male audiences, and they are the most likely to be consumed digitally. These trends highlight the importance of targeted marketing and the role of social media in amplifying genre communities, especially for romance and fan‑driven fantasy circles.

Against this backdrop, policymakers are advancing a fixed‑book‑price (FBP) regime, mirroring systems in France, Germany and Spain. The draft legislation, backed by the European Writers’ Council, aims to lock retail prices for a year, protecting smaller booksellers and ensuring authors receive stable royalties. If enacted, the FBP could curb price wars, sustain independent bookstores, and preserve cultural diversity, but it may also limit discount‑driven competition. Stakeholders will watch closely as Poland balances market liberalisation with cultural preservation in its evolving literary ecosystem.