Bookstores in Decline but More Poles are Reading, Survey Shows
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Loading... - Kenny Dytor
- 04 Sep 2024
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Despite a significant decline in the number of brick-and-mortar bookstores in Poland, a recent survey reveals that more Poles are reading now than last year. According to data from Dun & Bradstreet, almost a third of bookstores have disappeared in the last decade, with 23 closures this year alone. This trend has been ongoing since 2010, with a 1% annual decline in the bookstore market.
Small bookstores are particularly struggling to compete with retail chains and online stores, which have dominated the book sales market in Poland. However, a study by the National Library in 2023 shows that 43% of Poles have read at least one book in the last year, a 9% increase compared to 2022 and the best result in a decade.
The survey also reveals that young people are driving this increase in reading habits. Additionally, there has been a growth in demand for public libraries, with 14% of those surveyed using them in 2023, a two-percentage-point increase from the previous year.
The way people obtain and read books is also changing, with 29% of Poles borrowing books from friends, 28% buying them for themselves, and 29% receiving them as gifts. To combat the decline of bookstores, some publishers and authors are exploring alternative approaches, such as releasing books exclusively in independent bookstores or online platforms.
Furthermore, statutory market regulation is set to return to the field, with the Ministry of Culture hosting meetings to discuss regulations, including a uniform book price and the regulation of distributor margins. The Book Institute has emphasized the importance of preserving the value of books and ensuring they are not treated as ordinary commodities.
While the number of bookstores in Poland is declining, the survey shows that more Poles are reading, particularly young people. The industry is adapting to changing habits and exploring alternative approaches to promote reading and support independent bookstores.
