The Polish book market remains one of the largest publishing markets in Central and Eastern Europe, although it continues to face challenges related to market concentration, rising production costs, declining readership levels and digital transformation. The market is characterised by a large number of registered publishers, while actual publishing activity remains concentrated among a relatively limited group of medium-sized and large publishing houses.
In recent years, increasing attention has been devoted to supporting local bookstores, independent publishers, literary festivals, translations and reading promotion programmes. Public debate increasingly concerns the sustainability of the publishing sector, the impact of digital platforms and audiobooks, and the changing reading habits of younger audiences.
In 2015 Poland introduced the so-called Public Lending Rights (PLR). These are royalties paid on loans that compensate authors and publishers for losses from the proceeds caused by borrowing books from libraries. Reduced VAT rates for books and publishing activities remain one of the important instruments supporting the publishing market in Poland. The equalisation of VAT rates for printed and electronic books reflected broader European policies concerning digital publishing and access to culture.
Recent cultural policy discussions increasingly concern the impact of digitalisation, subscription platforms, artificial intelligence and online distribution models on authors, publishers and booksellers. Public support mechanisms increasingly include programmes related to digital accessibility, literary education and the strengthening of local cultural infrastructure connected with reading and libraries. The Polish Book Institute finances translations of Polish literature into foreign languages in the framework of the Translation Programme © POLAND.
The Book Institute continues to play a key role in the international promotion of Polish literature through translation programmes, literary residencies, international fairs and support for foreign publishers. Recent international cultural policy increasingly promotes contemporary Polish literature together with interdisciplinary projects connected with design, illustration, comics and digital publishing.
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