The new Olomouc library is already filling up with books; it was created from an old boiler room

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Olomouc - The new branch of the Olomouc City Library (MKO), which has emerged in the building of the former boiler room on Trnkova Street, is gradually preparing for its first readers. Its spaces have already started filling up with books. In addition to the library, a community center, a place for discussions, and outdoor seating should also function in the old boiler room's premises. The project required an investment of approximately 50 million crowns, most of the costs were covered by grants from European funds. The library is expected to open for future readers at the beginning of February, said MKO director Lenka Prucková today to ČTK.

The unattractive boiler room has transformed into a cultural venue in one of the most populated housing estates in Olomouc, which is also why the director expects an influx of new readers. The Olomouc City Library located in Republic Square and its branches are currently visited by 13,500 readers. "This housing estate is huge, it consists of two estates side by side, where over 20,000 residents live. These people did not have close access to library services until now," the director stated. According to her, the new branch could attract around 1,200 new readers.

Readers will have access to approximately 15,000 books in the collection. It should be open daily except Wednesday, and on three days, it will be open until 6:00 PM. The construction costs amounted to approximately 50 million crowns, of which 42.5 million crowns were covered by European grants.

The intention to transform the old unattractive boiler room into a modern library began to take shape in 2017. In addition to lending books, discussions for schools, as well as talks for readers and art workshops, are planned to take place in its modern spaces. "The residents of the housing estate could also be the third pillar, who could offer us their services - for example, various courses, debates, and even leading their own reading club. We want it to be not just our library, but the library of the entire part of Olomouc," Prucková added.

The building of the former boiler room is adjacent to the new tram line and is therefore within walking distance for residents of the city districts of Povel, Nové Sady, and Nová Ulice. The library on Trnkova Street was created based on the highest-rated proposal from an architectural competition held in 2020. It was won by the Prague studio kcarch. Its project also includes the construction of outdoor seating surrounded by a low wall. In connection with the upcoming opening of these new modern spaces, the branch on Peškova Street in Nové Sady will close at the end of January.