On Tuesday, Warsaw’s 2025 Favorite Bookstore winners were announced at the New Theatre, with prizes totaling 120,000 zł.
Award Night at the New Theatre
The ceremony took place at the New Theatre, where the city celebrated independent bookstores that play a vital role in Warsaw’s cultural life. The event highlighted the importance of small local shops as key contributors to the city’s literary landscape.
Winners by Category
Four categories were judged by a panel of book‑industry experts and former winners. Each category carried a title of “Favorite Bookstore Warsaw 2025” and a monetary prize. In the general‑merchandise category, Najlepsza Księgarnia (1/3 Augusta Cieszkowskiego) won, with Księgarnia Korekty (8 Nowogrodzka) receiving an honorable mention.
The club‑bookstore category was claimed by Uśpiona Księgarnia (1/4 Stalowa), while Wrzenia Świata (7 Gałczyńskiego) earned a commendation. Sklep Podróżnika (8/10 Kaliskiej) won the specialized‑bookstore prize, and Księgarnia Ekonomiczna Kazimierz Leki (67 Grójecka) was highlighted. Antykwariat Praski (22 Kawęczyńskiego) claimed the antiques title, with TheBooks (134A Puławskiej) receiving special mention.
Special Recognition for Review Writers
Authors who produced the most engaging bookstore reviews were honored with books and shopping vouchers, underscoring the value of critical engagement with the local book market.
Campaign Details
Since September, Warsaw has promoted its independent bookshops under the “Here you buy books” campaign, aiming to showcase the city’s roughly 100 such shops. The title “Favorite Bookstore of the Year” was first awarded in 2020.
Competition Overview
Funded and organized by the City of Warsaw, the contest partners with the Polish Book Chamber, the Analyse Library, and the Warsaw District of the Polish Booksellers Association to support and recognize independent book retailers.
