Polish books in Cyprus. Where to find them and how to exchange them with others?

Polish books in Cyprus can be obtained without having to order them shipped from Poland. In Chloraka near Paphos, in the center of Larnaca, and in Pyli, there are community libraries where you can exchange books you've read.

Readers are also connected by the Facebook group "Polish Books in Cyprus – Exchange, Sale, Purchase." This is a place for those looking for specific titles, selling their home collections, or wanting to donate books to other readers. Both island residents and tourists are welcome to participate.

Polish Books in Cyprus - a group for readers

The group "Polish Books in Cyprus – Exchange, Sale, Purchase" was founded by Paula Toumazou. The idea was based on a simple need: to gather book listings in one place.

In general Polish community groups, information about books quickly gets lost in the shuffle about apartments, cars, and vacations. Here, it's easier to find people interested in reading and arrange a book swap.

When posting an ad, it's a good idea to include the author, title, copy condition, and pickup location. A cover photo will make it easier to identify the edition, and information about the price or expected exchange will help avoid misunderstandings.

A library in Chloraka near Paphos

IN Curry in a Hurry by Curry House in Chloraka there is a shelf with Polish books, organized by Urszula Dziwlik.

This isn't a traditional library with a library card and a return deadline. A simple rule applies: you bring a book and take anotherThanks to this, the collections change with each visit from readers.

This allows you to revisit the library after a while and discover titles you didn't see before. The library gives books you've read a second chance at life, and gives residents access to books in Polish.

Larnaca: books in the center and in Pyli

Larnaca: Book exchange at the Delikatesik store

The only functioning Polish book exchange in the Larnaca area is the Polish Delikatesik store in Pyli, near the Golden Bay Hotel and CTO Beach. You can leave a book you've read there and choose another, or pass on your own copies to future readers.

This is a community initiative, not a bookstore. Available titles change depending on what readers bring in. It's worth checking the store's opening hours before visiting.

How to prepare books for exchange?

Donated books should be complete, clean, and in good condition for further reading. It's a good idea to review the pages and remove any personal notes, photos, or documents used as bookmarks.

If you wish to donate a larger number of items, it's best to arrange this with the point manager in advance. The shelves have limited capacity, so delivering a whole box without prior notice may pose a challenge for the organizers.

The availability of specific titles depends on what other readers bring in. Those looking for a specific book can also post an ad in the group.

Books in Polish, also for children

Collections of children's and educational books are also available at Polish schools in Limassol and Paralimni. Please inquire with the individual school about access to these books, as school libraries have their own rules.

For children growing up in Cyprus, reading together can be a daily contact with the Polish language. Books provide an opportunity to talk, learn new words, and share stories—even outside of school.

Take a book on vacation and pass it on

Tourists can also use the exchange points. Simply bring a book from Poland, read it, and leave it on the library in exchange for another.

It's a simple way to find your next read while on vacation and support an initiative run by the local Polish community. Instead of returning the book to its shelf at home, it can go to someone who's waiting for it.