Four new libraries join Poland's national library resource

The Minister of Culture and National Heritage has published the consolidated text of the regulation on the national library resource, formally adding four institutions to the list of libraries whose collections enjoy special protection. The announcement, dated 28 August 2026, appears in Dziennik Ustaw of 14 September 2026 under item poz. 1204.

The consolidated text, issued under Article 16(3) of the Act of 20 July 2000 on the promulgation of normative acts, merges the original regulation of 4 July 2012 with two later amendments. It was signed by Minister M. Cienkowska.

What the announcement changes

The consolidated text incorporates the amendments of 28 April 2025 (Dz.U. poz. 577) and 30 June 2026 (Dz.U. poz. 903), which together expand the catalogue of libraries holding collections in the national resource. The list now counts 19 institutions, including the four newly added:

• Biblioteka Raczyńskich
• Biblioteka Uniwersytecka we Wrocławiu
• Wojewódzka i Miejska Biblioteka Publiczna im. dr. Witolda Bełzy w Bydgoszczy
• Centralna Biblioteka Statystyczna im. Stefana Szulca

The two earlier additions joined the resource on 15 May 2025 and 21 July 2026 respectively. The announcement also reproduces the transitional deadlines for the new libraries to complete the required procedures.

Deadlines for the new libraries

Each newly added institution must carry out the obligations set out in the regulation within a fixed period:

• Biblioteka Raczyńskich — by 31 December 2027
• Biblioteka Uniwersytecka we Wrocławiu — by 31 December 2028
• Wojewódzka i Miejska Biblioteka Publiczna im. dr. Witolda Bełzy w Bydgoszczy — by 31 December 2028
• Centralna Biblioteka Statystyczna im. Stefana Szulca — by 31 December 2031

All four must draw up their collection protection plans and implement special protection measures within one year of the respective amendment entering into force.

How the national resource is protected

Under the consolidated regulation, collections qualify for the national resource when they hold exceptional value and significance for the national heritage and are unique, meeting at least one of four criteria: historical, scientific, cultural or artistic value. The resource is divided into categories — drawings, prints and posters, photographs and films, manuscripts, publications, library collections and other materials — each with defined value thresholds.

Libraries holding such collections must keep an electronic register, draw up an annual protection plan (updated by 31 March each year) and ensure safe conditions for storage, copying and access for scientific or exhibition purposes. The costs of this special protection are borne by the library’s organising body.

Why it matters

By folding the four new institutions into the consolidated text, the announcement strengthens the legal framework safeguarding Poland’s most valuable library holdings. Readers and researchers can now rely on a single, up-to-date text that clarifies which collections enjoy enhanced protection and by when each institution must comply.

Source: Dziennik Ustaw, 14 September 2026, notices, p. 1 (official reference: Dz.U. 2026 poz. 1204).