Libraries in Kraków — where to study, read and relax
Kraków is a city with centuries of academic and literary tradition — and a library for every occasion. You’ll find vast collections with historic treasures as well as quiet reading rooms where you can work or read in peace. Here are the three most important libraries and a few less obvious places, with addresses, opening hours and who can use them.
Jagiellonian Library
The Jagiellonian Library at 22 Adama Mickiewicza Avenue is one of the oldest and most important libraries in Poland, tracing its history back to the founding of the Kraków Academy in 1364. Today it mainly serves students and researchers, and its collections include books, periodicals and manuscripts, among them priceless historic holdings.
The Main Reading Room and the lending desk are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 20:30 and on Saturdays from 8:30 to 15:30. The Manuscripts and Early Printed Books reading rooms have shorter hours: 10:00–18:00 on weekdays and 10:00–15:00 on Saturdays.
Visitors from outside the university, including tourists, can use the reading rooms. All you need is an ID card or passport: a free three-day card (once per academic year, for three consecutive working days) or a paid reader’s card for 20 PLN. Both give access to the reading rooms but not to borrowing.
Biblioteka Kraków (city library)
Biblioteka Kraków is the city’s public library, created on 1 January 2017 by merging four district library networks. Today it has around 60 branches across the city. The Main Library is in Kazimierz, at 2 Powroźnicza Street, while the institution’s head office is at 3 Jana Nowaka-Jeziorańskiego Square.
The Main Library is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 to 19:00, on Thursdays from 12:00 to 19:00 and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 15:00. The library also runs cultural events, workshops and author meetings.
Regional Public Library
The Regional Public Library (Wojewódzka Biblioteka Publiczna) at 1 Rajska Street dates its history to 1758, when Jacek Łopacki donated about 200 volumes to the city. It moved to its current spacious building in 1996 and is one of the most popular places to study in the city centre.
The Main Lending Library is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00. The Main Reading Room is open every day: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 to 19:00, Thursdays from 10:00 to 19:00 and Sundays from 8:00 to 14:00. There’s a snack bar and a computer room on site.
Specialist libraries and unusual places
The Jagiellonian University Medical Library (7 Medyczna Street) is the hub for students of medicine, pharmacy and health sciences.
The Polish Song Library has been part of the Polish Song Zone at the Podgórze Cultural Centre (13 Sokolska Street) since 2026 — a treat for anyone interested in Polish music and its history.
For quiet surrounded by art, try the National Museum in Kraków Library in the Main Building at 1 3 Maja Avenue. The reading room is open to everyone — on your first visit you register with an ID. It’s open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 to 15:00 and on Thursdays from 9:00 to 18:00.
Kraków’s libraries are more than book collections — they’re also great places to work and unwind, whatever your age or profession.
Where to stay in Kraków
For a few days of study, work or sightseeing, a convenient base is Best Western Plus Kraków Old Town at 6 Świętej Gertrudy Street, about 500 m from the Main Square, or Hotel Regent in Kazimierz, the same district as the Main Library.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists visit the Jagiellonian Library?
Yes. With an ID card or passport you can get a free three-day card or a paid reader’s card (20 PLN). Both give access to the reading rooms, without borrowing.
Which is the largest library in Kraków?
The Jagiellonian Library — one of the oldest and largest libraries in Poland, with a history going back to 1364.
Where can I study in Kraków on a Sunday?
In the Main Reading Room of the Regional Public Library at 1 Rajska Street, open on Sundays from 8:00 to 14:00.
Updated in October 2026.