Libraries are closing, Poles are reading less

Recently released data shows that fewer Poles are visiting libraries. Every sixth household doesn't have any books. The most recent Central Statistical Office (GUS) report on cultural institutions shows that 6.4 million Poles have checked out at least one book from the library in 2013. This is 100,000 less than in the previous year. Year to year, there are fewer libraries. The number of libraries has fall by 178 in the last two years. Majority of the closures are in small towns and villages, as reported by PAP and Rzeczpospolita. Forty percent of library users are students, but readership amongst children and teenagers is falling as well. Furthermore, Poles are purchasing fewer books. The latest Social Diagnosis showed that every fifth household cannot buy books due to financial hardship.