Reading is a good habit! – The Universal Reading Foundation is now seven years old, has awarded the Caryatids of Reading for the fifth time, and is highlighting the power of regular reading habits.
The power of good habits is the theme of this year's Friends of the Universal Reading Foundation Evening, which has been changing the way we think about reading since 2018. The organization repeatedly emphasizes in its activities that reading is for everyone. This time, celebrating 80 years of Świerszczyk, it emphasized the importance of regularly reaching for the magazine as a tool for building reading habits. For the fifth time, the Foundation presented the Karyatids of Reading. During the event, the "Piórko" (Feather), a Biedronka award for children's books, was also presented.
„"One of the habits that personally delights me is the Friends' Evening, which takes place annually at the National Library, in a fitting location. We are pleased to support the Foundation's activities, and above all, its diverse methods, which aim to truly make books accessible to everyone. Reaching non-readers requires hard work – together we are fighting to change habits – to move from non-reading to reading," said Tomasz Makowski, director of the National Library, opening the event.
The power of men's reading habits was presented by ambassadors of the nationwide #TataTeżCzyta2025 campaign. This year, nearly 100 partners participated. Thanks to the involvement of these companies, the mass message was able to reach many corners of Poland, with an invitation to read addressed to men. Twenty-six individuals and companies that supported this year's campaign received the title of Caryatids of Reading 2025.
We are not indifferent to reading – Karyatids of Reading 2025 "Karyatids of Reading are people and organizations who contribute to the promotion of reading in Poland, sometimes working with us, and always – creating good models of engagement for others! We greatly value the power of cooperation – it is one of our statutory principles. For several years now, we have been pleased to recognize the extraordinary activities of individuals, companies, institutions and non-governmental organizations whose commitment to reading is changing our world for the better.
better.” – emphasizes Maria Deskur, president of the Universal Reading Foundation.
Prizes were also awarded in the following categories:
#DobryPartner. "A good partner is a treasure. Together we can achieve more. That's why we are pleased to reward companies that are aware of this and are willing to use their influence for such a noble cause. The low level of readership in our country is a problem for all of us, and working to improve it is our responsibility. For ourselves, but above all – for future generations," said Grzegorz Majerowicz, member of the FPC board.
The #DobryWzór Reading Caryatids are awards for individuals and organizations whose outstanding work sets an example for others. The FPC annually recognizes one organization from each of the three sectors, along with one fundraiser and one volunteer. This year's #DobryWzór is: institution: Marshal's Office of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship; business: Jeronimo Martins Biedronka; non-profit: Center for Citizenship Education; fundraiser: Abedik SA; and volunteer: Krystyna Rózga.
„"We created Poland's first Provincial Reading Development Program because we deeply believe that investing in reading promotion is essential; after all, our future depends on it. We want to take an unconventional approach, reaching out to non-readers beyond the usual clichés and inviting them to read. We hope this program is a beginning that will inspire many," said Maria Bąkowska, Deputy Marshal of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, where the Provincial Public Library in Olsztyn is implementing Poland's first provincial reading development program. The full list of recipients of the Karyatydy Czytelnictwo 2025 title is available at: www.fpc.org.pl/kariatydyczytelnictwa-2025.
Good habits are for everyone
The invitation to read should be as broad as possible, reaching everyone for whom it poses a challenge for various reasons. Universal design serves this purpose – to make books accessible to the widest possible audience. As part of the "Books Without Borders" project, implemented in partnership with the Information Society Development Foundation, FPC has published a series of books for adults designed in this way. These titles help break down reading barriers and invite readers into the world of literature. The series encompasses various literary genres and formats, from picture books and comics to novels and poetry collections. The author, Jarosław Kaczmarek, spoke about one of the titles, his original adaptation of "Pan Tadeusz." More about the project: www.fpc.org.pl/ksiazki-bez granic.
And what about those good habits?
„"Regularity and sustainability of good habits in pediatrics have a much greater impact on a child's health than individual "spurts" or initiatives – this is confirmed by research and international recommendations. The best results are achieved precisely when healthy habits are consistently implemented and become part of a child's daily life. Reading from birth not only supports health and development but builds strong habits that last into adulthood. It is also important in the parent-child relationship. Regular reading and conversation should – according to research – become a key element of pediatrics of the future. I personally encourage doctors to recommend reading during office visits and believe in the success of the "Book on Prescription" program," said Dr. Wojciech Feleszko, professor at the Medical University of Warsaw.
Order (not only) in the head
Katarzyna Ronge, General Manager of Vileda Polska, explains what the habit of cleaning has in common with reading: "You could say that one organizes our surroundings, our home, our apartment, and the other organizes our mind. Both require regularity, and for both activities, we need tools. We would like books to become a handy everyday tool like a cloth or a mop, and reading to become an activity as natural and obvious as cleaning. However, this requires education, and this should start with children." Thanks to Vileda's initiative and support, a book for preschoolers by Justyna Bednarek was created, with an impressive print run of 120,000 copies, which are included with the brand's products. "We wanted to send a symbolic message that reading is an important part of every family's daily routine, just like keeping your surroundings tidy," Ronge concludes.
Reading is a good investment
Katarzyna Meissner, Managing Director of Communications and Marketing at VeloBank, also spoke about companies' involvement in promoting reading: "Investing in employee reading is an investment in skills, communication, and simply the atmosphere within the company." She highlighted the habit of saving, which reading also strengthens because it builds analytical thinking. "Training our brains through reading strengthens our ability to navigate the world of finance, which we encounter practically every day," she added.
Regular contact with the book
How does a magazine, which, after all, has regularity as its very definition, impact habit-forming? "This year, Świerszczyk celebrates its 80th birthday; its unwavering recognition and annual circulation of 540,000 copies confirm its importance. For generations, it has been encouraging parents and guardians to read; each issue is an invitation to read, a ritual. The paper format in this type of press is irreplaceable," said Andrzej Kozłowski, president of Nowa Era publishing house. Textbooks are the only books in 10% households in Poland. "Looking at it this way, school books are a very important tool for building the habit; in many cases, they are a child's primary, if not only, contact with reading. It's a responsibility, because a format that serves primarily as an education should also provide the pleasure of discovering new things, arouse curiosity and a thirst for knowledge," commented Kozłowski.
A book that brings help
The Universal Reading Foundation reaches out to those in need, treating non-reading as a social problem and a cause of exclusion. The organization emphasizes that research indicates the therapeutic role of books, which support mental resilience, help with processing many problems, and are particularly important for children and adults in crisis situations. Therefore, easy access to books is a priority in promoting reading.
Minister Adriana Porowska, Secretary of State in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, a long-time volunteer and activist, and a civil society specialist, spoke about supporting reading from the perspective of the primary sector, as well as the habit of helping others. "Helping is based on empathy and understanding others, which, as we know, greatly enhances reading. It's also a tool that fosters the ability to collaborate – essential today and considered one of the competencies of the future. Cross-sectoral activities are much easier when we understand each other and seek solutions. Providing help together, working towards a common goal we believe in, and achieving results, gives us an irreplaceable sense of agency," added Minister Porowska.
During this year's Friends of the Universal Reading Foundation Evening, the winner of the illustration category of the "Piórko 2025. Biedronka Award for Children's Books" competition was announced: Marek Gołębiowski. This annual initiative, aimed at debuting authors, emphasizes that everyone can try their hand at books. Importantly, it is one of the largest literary awards in Poland; the winning title is published and available in Biedronka stores across Poland. "We are delighted that our efforts to promote reading are being noticed and appreciated. We strive to support creators, help them fulfill their dreams, and discover their talents – both in writing and illustration. At the same time, we ensure easy access to books, which are available in thousands of our stores, often serving as the only local point of contact with a book, which can be the deciding factor in a purchase," commented Arkadiusz Mierzwa, Director of Corporate Communications at Biedronka and one of the jurors of the "Piórko" competition.
Evening of Friends of the Universal Foundation
Readings is an annual celebration of reading, but also a forum for exchanging ideas. Several hundred guests from various industries and sectors participated. The Universal Reading Foundation invites you to collaborate. Information about the FPC's activities is available at: www.fpc.org.pl