Opoczno Public Library – Loan Department, Reading Room, Children's Section

The public library in Opoczno occupies one of the most recognisable buildings in the city: the stone Esterka House at plac Kościuszki 15. It operates a loan department for adults, reading rooms and a children's section, and beyond its main seat the institution runs three branches. Since 2020 it has been named after Stefan Janas.

Seat in Esterka House

The building dates probably from the 16th century, and was given its present appearance by a rebuild in 1893. Local legend associates it with Esterka, said according to tradition to have been connected with Kazimierz Wielki [Casimir the Great], and with a secret passage leading to the castle. The building is entered in the heritage register under number 305. Today in the Esterka House besides the library, local social organisations also have their seat.

Patron: Stefan Janas

Stefan Janas was born in 1876 in Paradyż and settled in Opoczno in 1904, remaining connected with the city for the rest of his life. A carpenter by trade, he founded a consumers' cooperative, directed the fire service, ran relief committees during the First World War, established a theatre society, and in 1916 founded a reading room. In 1918 he was deputy mayor, and in 1919 and 1920 mayor of Opoczno. He died in 1920, during the Polish-Bolshevik War.

Departments and collections

At the seat on plac Kościuszki, readers will find a loan department for adults, reading rooms and a children's section with its own book collection and activities for the youngest. The library gathers regional collections and participates in the Regional Bibliography System of Łódź Voivodeship, and makes its catalogue available online. Regular events include National Reading, author meetings, a book discussion club and a chess circle.

Branches

Beyond the main seat the library runs Branch no. 1 at ulica Armii Krajowej 2A in Opoczno and rural branches in Mroczków Gościnny and Ogonowice. Each operates on a different weekly schedule, so opening hours should be checked separately for each location.

Nearby

The library stands in the historic town centre, by the Opoczno market square entered in the heritage register, so a visit can easily be combined with a walk through the old part of the city.

A few minutes further stands the castle of Kazimierz Wielki, which houses a regional museum. The legend of a secret passage from Esterka House leads there.

Practical information

• Address: plac Kościuszki 15, 26-300 Opoczno.
• Opening hours of the main seat as given by the library from 1 September 2026: Monday 8.00 to 18.00, Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 16.00, Saturday 8.00 to 13.00. It is best to check them on the library website before visiting, as they are subject to change.
• Branch no. 1, ulica Armii Krajowej 2A: Monday and Tuesday 9.00 to 17.00, Wednesday to Friday 8.00 to 16.00, closed Saturdays.
• What to expect: an operating public library in a historic building, with a separate children's section and reading rooms on site.
• The book catalogue is available online, so the availability of a book can be checked before coming in.