Over one billion PLN will be allocated to the National Reading Development Programme (NPRCz) 2.0 for 2021-2025, to support the various forms of promoting reading habits in Poland.  NPRCz 2.0 is an extension of the previous Programme, implemented during 2016-2020 and is the largest and one of the most important – in terms of scale, impact sought and budget – amongst the national multi-annual Programmes.

The Programme NPRCz 2.0 aims to create conditions for the development and growth of readership in Poland by shaping and promoting pro-reading attitudes and strengthening the role of the public, as well as the pedagogical and school libraries (as local centres of social life) that constitute a centre of access to culture and knowledge.

The new elements of the NPRCz 2.0 Programme include, among others features: a subsidy to activate new and/or local communities; a national campaign promoting the objectives of the Programme; connecting about 500 libraries to the national platform; making content available on the National Library;  support actions to better understanding of readers' needs and librarian’s expectations and improve competences.

Implementation of measures in public libraries are foreseen in several steps.  First, in continuing the key tasks of the previous Programme, i.e. the purchase of new publications and the acquisition of services of remote access to content in digital formats – eBook, audiobook or synchro-book.  Second, institutions located in cities with up to 100,000 inhabitants can apply for funding for infrastructural investments under NPRCz 2.0, which is an increase in relation to the previous Programme, which took into account smaller centres with up to 50,000 inhabitants.  Third, particular support will be given to historic library buildings and libraries in an inadequate technical condition, with preference to the construction or adaptation of new, energy-efficient facilities.  In this context, an important element is the continuation of the activities aimed at schools’ and pedagogical libraries.

With a total budget of 1.080 million PLN, 59% is financed with public funds –representing an increase of nearly 40% of state subsidies in relation to the previous Programme.  The remaining 41% come from private investment. 

NPRCz 2.0 includes four priority areas of support:

• Priority 1 - Improving the supply of public libraries
• Priority 2 - Investment in infrastructure of public libraries 
• Priority 3 - Purchase of new publications for pre-school, school and pedagogical libraries
• Priority 4 - Subsidy programme for libraries, promotion of reading.

The Ministry of Culture, National Heritage and Sport is responsible for the coordination the Priorities 1, 2 and 4, implemented by its subordinate institutions: National Library (Priority 1), Book Institute (Priority 2) and National Centre of Culture (Priority 4), acting at the same time as the Programme Evaluation and Monitoring Unit. Coordination of works with regard to Priority 3 lies within the competences of the Ministry of Education and Science.

Public funds of approximately PLN 14.5 million will be allocated to public libraries for purchasing new releases. This amount comprehends the activation of digital formats – e-Books, audiobooks or synchro books; the construction of a nationwide network of 500 libraries, through an integrated system for management of resources; the development of infrastructures; development of competencies of library staff and a social and information campaign.  At the same time, approximately 10.3 thousand school and pedagogical libraries will receive co-financing for the purchase of approximately 4 million new publications and equipment items.  A novelty is the inclusion in the programme of more than 1.3 thousand pre-schools establishments.

The estimated impact is that, resulting from purchasing new books – under Priority 1 and 3 – e the NPRCz 2.0, over PLN 500 million will reach the publishing market (including public and private funds).

A new grant Programme called CLOSER (BLISKO) will be launched under the auspices of the NPRCz. As part of the Programme, 180 public libraries will have the opportunity to receive funds, totaling PLN 24.5 million, to improve the competence of library staff, develop partnerships, involve new communities and activate local communities in activities to promote reading. It has been estimated that during the five years of the CLOSER programme more than a thousand projects may be implemented. The NPRCz 2.0 additionally provides for funds for monitoring and evaluation of the activities carried out, as well as management and functioning of the Programme. 

More information:  https://www.gov.pl/web/edukacja-i-nauka/narodowy-program-rozwoju-czytelnictwa-20-na-lata-20212025-zostal-przyjety-przez-rade-ministrow

Source: Eurydice Unit Poland