BUW is the main library of the University of Warsaw. On 15th December 1999, the library was opened to readers in its new premises in Powiśle, at Dobra 56/66 street. In the beginning, BUW granted 42 temporary entrance cards. Today it has more than 100 000 registered users.

In July 1990, Prime Minister Tadeusz Mazowiecki took the strategic decision to allocate funds generated from the rental of the former building of the Central Committee of the Communist Party for the construction of a new library building. In 1993, following a contest, the first prize and recommendation for realization were given to the project by Marek Budzyński and Zbigniew Badowski. In December 1999, after many months of the logistically complicated collection transfer operation, the new building in Powiśle was made available to users, marking a new stage in a history of the University of Warsaw Library.

BUW nowadays 

The library has one of the largest scientific and university collections in Poland, with more than 6 million books, periodicals, and electronic materials. In the library, every reader can find a place to study, work or relax. The new building of the University of Warsaw Library has won numerous prestigious awards and prizes in architectural competitions and polls among residents of the capital. The concept, which combines the functionality of a modern library, respect for the shaping of the Vistula embankment, and fascination with the intermingling of culture and nature, found expression in a building of surprising diversity. BUW has one of the biggest and most beautiful roof gardens in Europe visited by students, residents of Warsaw, and tourists.

Let’s read together

Anna Wołodko, General Director of BUW, announced a new series of videos “Czytaj z UW” (Read with UW) that are being made with librarians. BUW employees will present their favourite books available on the shelves in BUW. The first video will be released in January 2021.