Used book stores in Poland

DO these exist? Or do Poles prefer to use books as fuel once they're no longer interested in reading them?

I was thinking of trying to learn the language with some help from Polish translations of books I already have. That helped me a lot with French.

Yes.

they are usually called "antykwariat"

And that's where I should go to pick up a battered old polish translation of a Steven King or Carl Hiassen paperback for half a zloty?

Because, in Ireland and the UK, "antiquarian" bookshops implies expensive, bound first editions of serious literature.

I don't expect to have the dosh or the expertise for this.

Yes. Depending on what you want ........the prices vary very much.........but more than a few Zloty.

For the cheapest books........ Why don't you borrow from the library or from friends ?

those shops are rather called "antyki" in Poland - they sell different old things though, not only books, some pieces of art, some stylish furniture, paintings, different household objects/appliances etc., anything that is old and has also some other values (cultural, artistic, for collectioners)
and a good "antykwariat" should have both 15-20 yrs paperback edition of some Stephen King's bestsellers and some rare editions (in Polish often called "białe kruki" - "white crows") for high prices, just maybe not on the shelves.

Hi, I'm afraid there are no real second-hand or charity shops in Poland (at least there are non in Warsaw). You may want to check out two places - allegro ( it's like ebay) or if you are in Warsaw there are a lot of street traders selling old books for a penny and DVDs, shoe laces and other stuff. You are most likely to find them at Dworzec Centralny (Railway Station) and tram and bus stops