Discover 7 reasons to visit Poznań’s Raczyński Library this July, from literary events and family workshops to exhibitions, guided tours and important summer service updates.
July brings a packed programme of literary events, family activities, exhibitions and guided tours at Poznań’s Raczyński Library, alongside several temporary changes to library services during the summer holidays.
Whether you are interested in local history, poetry, children’s theatre, crime fiction or astronomy, there is something for every age throughout the month. Visitors should also note temporary closures affecting borrowing services while the library carries out its annual stock check.
1. Summer opening changes and temporary service disruptions
Before planning a visit, readers should be aware of several temporary changes.
Throughout July and August, all Raczyński Library branches will be closed on Saturdays.
The Main Library lending department will also be closed from the 6th to 17th of July while staff undertake the annual inventory of the collection (known as skontrum).
In addition, book locker collections will be unavailable from the 3rd to 21st of July, meaning readers should collect or borrow materials before these dates, where possible.
2. Celebrate poet Jerzy Grupiński’s 88th birthday
The month begins with a special literary celebration honouring one of Poznań’s best-known cultural figures.
On Saturday, the 4th of July at 11:00, the Main Library will host a benefit event celebrating Jerzy Grupiński’s 88th birthday and recognising more than five decades of his work supporting literary life in Poznań.
Visitors can expect:
- A commemorative tribute
- A conversation with the celebrated poet
- A short violin recital by Milena Pioruńska
The event also marks the long history of the Literary Club, founded in 1970, which began at CK Zamek before continuing at PCK Dąbrówka.
Admission is free.
3. Children can create their own fairy tale at CZYTATY 10/10
Families are invited to the Library’s Filia Sztuki on Saturday, 4th of July at 12:00 for imaginative theatre workshops led by asz.teatr.
Inspired by classic fairy tales, children and parents will work together to invent brand new adventures for familiar characters. Directed by theatre-maker Anna Szymczak, the workshop encourages creativity, storytelling and playful performance where everyday objects become magical props.
Admission is free.
4. Step into a retro Poznań crime mystery
Crime fiction fans should not miss Maciej Brzeziński’s author event on 7th of July at 18:00.
The discussion centres on his historical crime novel Junkier, set in Poznań and Śrem during the Prussian era. The novel follows detective Gottfried Langer as he investigates a series of murders connected by an ancient secret society.
Brzeziński will discuss writing historical fiction, researching Poznań’s past and creating compelling literary mysteries in conversation with Martyna Kliks.
Admission is free.
5. Visit Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna’s preserved apartment
On Wednesday, 8th of July at 12:30, visitors have another opportunity to explore the remarkable former home of poet Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna.
Located on Gajowa Street, the preserved apartment offers a fascinating glimpse into the writer’s life through original furniture, personal belongings and stories spanning her childhood, travels, public service and years spent in Poznań.
Advance booking is required via illa@bracz.edu.pl or by telephone.
6. Discover the story behind the Poznań June 1956 exhibition
History enthusiasts are invited to the Gallery of Atanazy on Thursday, 9th of July at 17:00 for a curator-led tour of the exhibition:
Breaking the Red Banner. Poznań June 1956
Led by historian Dr Piotr Grzelczak, the exhibition brings together documents, manuscripts, artworks and rarely displayed objects from Poznań’s cultural institutions and private collections.
Among the highlights are:
- Original censorship documents relating to Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna’s poetry
- Personal belongings from the poet’s apartment
- Historic manuscripts from Raczyński Library
- Works connected with the 1956 protests
- Rare editorial materials documenting one of Poland’s defining moments of post-war history
Admission is free.
7. Book your place on upcoming July workshops
Registration opens on the 6th of July for two popular events later in the month.
Astronomy and a mobile planetarium
Children can discover planets, stars and space exploration during CZYTATY 10/10 on the 18th of July, led by Patryk Oko from Oko na Gwiazdy. The session concludes with an immersive show inside a mobile planetarium.
Registration opens on the 6th of July via zapisy@bracz.edu.pl.
Practical psychology workshop
Also opening for bookings is Returning to Balance: Self-Regulation Techniques, a practical workshop led by psychologist Sabina Sadecka on 23 July.
The session explores stress management techniques based on interpersonal neurobiology.
Registration begins at 09:00 on the 6th of July via informacja@bracz.edu.pl.
Looking ahead to August
The Library has also announced its popular Summer Scribe Workshops, offering adults and young people aged 16 and over the chance to learn medieval calligraphy and manuscript illumination with tutor Olga Paszkowska.
The programme includes a four-session calligraphy course beginning in late July and a separate illumination workshop on the 4th of August.
Places require advance booking.
More hobby workshops in PoznańWhy it matters
Raczyński Library continues to be one of Poznań’s most active cultural institutions, combining literature, history, children’s programming and heritage under one roof. This July’s programme offers residents and visitors alike an opportunity to engage with the city’s literary traditions, explore local history and enjoy free cultural events throughout the summer, while keeping readers informed about temporary service changes during the holiday period.
Event Information
Summer service changes
- Saturdays: All branches closed throughout July and August
- Main Lending Department closed: 6 to 17 July
- Book locker orders suspended: 3 to 21 July
Selected events
- 4 July, 11:00: Jerzy Grupiński benefit celebration
- 4 July, 12:00: CZYTATY 10/10 theatre workshop
- 7 July, 18:00: Junkier author talk
- 8 July, 12:30: Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna Apartment tour
- 9 July, 17:00: Curator tour of the Poznań June 1956 exhibition
- 18 July: Astronomy workshop and mobile planetarium (registration required)
- 23 July: Self-regulation psychology workshop (registration required)
For the complete programme of July events, visit the Raczyński Library event calendar.
