The Šumperk library is set for reconstruction and expansion

Šumperk - The Šumperk city library is facing a demanding reconstruction starting this year. The city hall has decided not only to repair the library but also to expand it with a new building. The city estimates the costs at 90 million crowns. Library director Zdeňka Daňková expects that the new building could double the current number of readers.
    "The reason for this investment is mainly the insufficient capacity of the current library, the cramped spaces there, as well as the effort to modernize the library," said city hall spokesperson Andrea Jahnová today to ČTK.
    The project for the new city library has also been welcomed by its staff. "Currently, we have about 3,800 readers. Based on experiences from other cities where libraries are in adequate spaces and serve not only as libraries where books are borrowed, but also as leisure offerings including reading rooms and study areas, there are significantly more users. Perhaps even double," the library director told ČTK today.
    According to the city hall's plans, the reconstruction should be completed in 2010. In addition to repairing the current building, the city wants to build an extension that will be connected to the existing library. "A multi-purpose hall for cultural events and lectures will be built in the basement of the current library. Offices will be preserved on the first floor, new electrical wiring will be installed, windows will be replaced, and all rooms will receive new flooring," the spokesperson added.
    For the construction of the new building, the city hall wants to use 1,700 square meters of the adjacent plot. The complex will not lack barrier-free access after completion, the number of workstations with computers will be expanded, and new parking spaces for visitors will be added. The librarians will also have new facilities, including a large new storage area.
    The Šumperk city hall has already announced a public tender for the preparation of the study. The city aims to obtain funds from the European Union's structural funds.