Premier: The construction of the National Library is not a priority for the government

Prague, October 16 (CTK) - The new building of the National Library (NK) is not among the current government's priorities, according to Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek. It is therefore not clear whether the state wants to allocate funds for it. Originally, the building designed by architect Jan Kaplický was to be located in Letná, but Prague is now considering locations such as Strahov.
    "The government has two priorities, following the government of Jiří Paroubek. These are the National Museum and Klementinum. The library is not included, and there is no budgetary cover for it," Topolánek wrote to CTK. According to government spokeswoman Jana Bartošová, the construction of the library is a matter for the Ministry of Culture.
    Due to the library's construction, Prague Mayor Pavel Bém (ODS) and National Library Director Vlastimil Ježek will meet next week. According to today's information from CTK, the mayor will present Ježek with a list of specific locations where the building could be erected.
    Regarding Strahov, specifically a site near the Evžen Rošický Stadium and university dormitories, Prague Councilor for Urban Development Martin Langmajer (ODS) stated that it is being considered because the outskirts of the city are not suitable for the library. The building must be within reach of universities near the center, the councilor declared. Bém had previously spoken about the Pankrác Plain, Prosek, and Letňany. Other potential locations include Stodůlky, for example.
    Speculation about whether the library will stand in Letná according to Kaplický's design, which emerged from an international competition, began last week. The majority of ODS city councilors, including Bém, are against the proposal. Langmajer told reporters today that Jan Kaplický's design intended for Letná will probably not be transferable. This is likely prohibited by the guidelines of the International Union of Architects (UIA).
    According to city representatives, the winning design also encroaches on other plots in Letná than those approved for sale to the National Library by councilors last March. However, the construction of the building on the approved plots would also reportedly not be possible, as the city’s conditions for the sale of the plots would not be met. The library would collide with the already commenced construction of an internal automobile ring road, pointed out the mayor's deputy Pavel Klega (ODS) today.
    The National Library aims to solve spatial problems with the construction of its second building. According to Director Ježek, if a new building is not created, there will be a collapse of the library due to capacity reasons after 2010. Millions of modern library materials should move into the new building. The historical collections, i.e., books and prints up to 1801, will remain in Klementinum.
    World-renowned architect of Czech origin Kaplický admitted on Sunday that his proposal for the NK building might not be built in Prague at all. Kaplický, who according to yesterday's information married film producer Eliška Fuchsová on Sunday, also warned that world architects might henceforth distrust international competitions in the Czech Republic.