In times of digital overstimulation, the Universal Reading Foundation encourages Warsaw residents to go offline. This is another step in a broader effort Reading Rules, carried out, among others, in Warsaw. This time, reading moves to the urban space - intergenerational literary walks will take place in the diverse spaces of Warsaw, under the slogan Close to words, close to each other.
A unique series of outdoor meetings is a unique opportunity for a thematic encounter with literature – crime mysteries, sports, architecture, wildlife.
Prominent figures will play the role of city guides: crime novelist Katarzyna Puzyńska, writer and ornithologist Michał Książek, architect Radosław Gajda, and sports journalist Stefan Szczepłek. Participation in the events is free; the project is financed by the capital city of Warsaw.
The main goal of the project is to promote reading and integrate residents. The walks take the form of active reading—both aloud from book excerpts and discovering hidden stories in the urban fabric. The project encourages social interaction, building neighborly relationships, and spending free time offline, while relaxing together in a mindful spirit. slow walking. The initiative aligns with residents' needs and behaviors identified in this year's "Culture is Everywhere" report regarding leisure activities and access to and participation in culture.
"Research in Warsaw shows that residents of the capital are increasingly treating reading as a form of well-being," the organizers report. The series aims to foster intergenerational dialogue and engage participants of all ages. It's also an ideal summer activity, part of an active summer in the city.
The choice of event topics is not accidental – research on the state of reading (National Library Report 2025) shows that some of the literary genres that enjoy the greatest popularity are crime novels and non-fiction – reportage, memoirs, journalism and history.
Four neighborhoods, four unique personalities
The series includes four carefully designed routes where literature meets the history of a given district. led by licensed guides, accompanied by famous authors:
July 11, 2026 (Śródmieście): Architecture and urban mysteries. The walk will be led by Radosław Gajda – architect, winner of the title of Varsovian of the Year 2023. Participants will set off from the Politechnika metro station to the Architecture Building, exploring the city's secrets based on the crime novel "Koszykowa 55".
July 25, 2026 (Powiśle/Śródmieście): Sports history of the capital. Legendary journalist Stefan Szczepłek will guide the group around the Legia and Agrykola stadiums. The theme of the meeting, centered around the book "Warsaw Goes to the Match," will be stories about sports and literature.
„"Sports and literature intertwine at every turn in this city – you just have to stop to see it. What we read about is also worth walking through and experiencing together. Because we are closest to words when we are close to each other." says Stefan Szczepłek.
August 8, 2026 (Saska Kępa): Nature in the crevices of the city. A meeting with ornithologist and award-winning writer Michał Książek. Inspired by the "Atlas of Holes and Cracks," walkers will search for nature in the urban fabric, culminating in a relaxing silent reading on blankets by the Vistula River.
September 5, 2026 (Ursynów): Criminal traces of old Warsaw. A dialogue walk featuring leading crime novelist Katarzyna Puzyńska and Warsaw guide Klaudia Mróz. The route will follow a trail of local secrets.
from the novel "The Shadow District".
„"I love it when literature transcends the pages and you can experience it on your own street. I believe that reading about the space we live in is one of the easiest ways to truly become rooted in it. For me, this walk is precisely what's beautiful about reading – that we can experience it not only in solitude, but also close to ourselves, close to other people with whom we can share it," encourages Katarzyna Puzyńska.
Availability
The Universal Reading Foundation has ensured that the events are fully inclusive. Free route maps and bookmarks with space for guests' autographs will be provided for walk participants, and educational city games for families and schools to play independently will be available on the Foundation's website. More information, biographies of the presenters, details on the meeting points, and a registration form (registration is required for the walks) can be found at: www.czytanierzadzi.pl/spacery.
The project is financed by the capital city of Warsaw.
The National Library became the honorary patron.
Partners: GOOD IDEA.archi, ZNAK Literanova, Prószyński i S-ka, Skarpa Warszawska
The project's graphic designs were prepared by Tomasz Stelmaski, an independent graphic designer from Warsaw, specializing in poster and book design, as well as the visual interpretation of history and local cultures.
You can also find more about the project on FPC social media: www.facebook.com/fundacjapowszechnegoczytania/ www.instagram.com/fundacja_powszechnego_czytania/
The Universal Reading Foundation For over eight years, FPC has been inviting Poles to read and discover the superpowers of books, implementing numerous projects to this end. One of them is #CzytanieRządzi – an initiative involving local authorities in promoting reading. As part of its cooperation with the Śródmieście District of Warsaw, FPC has been organizing a series of reading events for the youngest residents at the House of Literature since 2023. This is an ongoing initiative.
with the local government to improve reading levels and equalize opportunities for children
and young people and demonstrating the value of reading in contacts with parents and guardians.