Commuters in Warsaw are now greeted by an unexpected sight on their daily journeys: rows of books lining the walls of the newly opened Płocka metro station. This isn't just a new transport link; it's a groundbreaking cultural hub, believed to be the world's first underground express library.
The innovative concept allows passengers to borrow books entirely for free using nothing more than their smartphones. By simply scanning a QR code on a book's spine with the city's public transport app, users can unlock a cabinet and take their chosen read. The books are equipped with RFID tags, streamlining the borrowing process to a matter of seconds.
How the Smart Library Works
The system is designed for maximum convenience in the fast-paced metro environment:
- Scan: Use the official transport app to scan the QR code of the desired book cabinet.
- Unlock: The corresponding cabinet door unlocks automatically.
- Borrow: Take the book. The loan is registered to your app account.
- Return: Bring the book back to any of the library metro stations within 30 days.
A Hub for Commuters and Culture
Stocked with over 5,000 titles, the collection caters to a wide audience, from best-selling fiction and non-fiction to children's literature. The station itself has been transformed into a bright, welcoming space with comfortable seating, encouraging passengers to pause and read.
City officials hail the project as a masterstroke in smart city innovation. It repurposes essential urban infrastructure, making culture and literature accessible to all, regardless of their schedule or budget. The initiative is a key part of a broader strategy to integrate technology seamlessly into public services and promote reading.
If successful, this pilot project at Płocka station could be just the beginning. Plans are already being considered to roll out the express library concept to other stations across the Warsaw metro network, potentially revolutionising how city dwellers access books.
