The general reconstruction of Clementinum will begin only after the construction of the new building

Prague - The National Library (NK) has ahead of it, besides the construction of a new building supported by Prague and the state, also the reconstruction of its historic building, the Klementinum. The library has planned this in three phases, with the critical one depending on the existence of the second building. Modern library collections, numbering in the millions, are to be relocated to the new building in Letná; only then can the general reconstruction of Klementinum be completed.
    The costs for the reconstruction of the former Jesuit college, one of the largest architectural complexes in Prague, have been estimated by the NK at one billion crowns. It is promised, according to last year's government decision, along with two billion for the construction of a new building as part of the so-called national treasure care program. "We will probably need less than the planned 0.97 billion crowns. We have already done some work and paid for it from other sources," said NK director Vlastimil Ježek to ČTK.
    The selection process for the project manager for the Klementinum reconstruction is concluding these days. Until the summer, the NK wants to announce a competition for the designer and plans to hold a selection process for the general contractor for the reconstruction next year.
    The first phase of the reconstruction or revitalization, as the library calls the repairs of the historic building, will conclude next year. It includes the opening of a refreshment area and café in the library, as well as the repair of the facades and the wing leading to Karlova Street.
    In the second phase, the State Technical Library will move out of Klementinum in 2009, as it is leasing space there and is building its own building. "The Slavic Library will then move into this wing, which will also require some modifications to the space," said Ježek.
    NK plans to complete the new building's occupancy permit in 2010, while the relocation of modern collections, which is linked to the third phase of Klementinum's repairs, and the grand opening of the new library are expected by the end of 2011.
    Ježek intends to make Klementinum more open - besides the library function, which will remain the foundation, he wants the library to be educational and visitor-friendly; according to him, congresses could also be held on the premises.
    In addition to the astronomical tower, the baroque hall, and the Mirror Chapel, he envisions visitors in the astronomical and mathematical halls, which are currently offices. The original furnishings of these halls are stored in two state museums, and he would like to acquire them as long-term loans.
    The general reconstruction of Klementinum is also related to a partial change in its use. After the relocation of numerous books, some institutions will find their headquarters in the historic spaces - the Czech Book Publishers and Booksellers Association already has its office in Klementinum, and the PEN Club is soon to move in; NK is also in talks with the Václav Havel Library and the Writers' Guild.
    In connection with the reconstruction of the building, Ježek would like to exclude car traffic from its courtyard and wants to provide parking with a newly constructed parking lot under the Economic Yard. He would also like to establish a baroque garden, even though one has never existed on the premises.
    According to NK, the capacity of the new building should suffice for about 50 years; the depository will be built for ten million books; currently, NK's collections total over six million items. Historical collections, meaning books and prints up to 1801, will remain in Klementinum, and NK also considers its current headquarters as spatial reserve. The currently utilized depository in Hostivař will be retained by the library - in addition to storage space, it also houses, for example, equipment for the conservation and restoration of books. However, it will offer its spaces to some Prague cultural institutions.