The extension of the red church in Olomouc will be adorned with thousands of books

Olomouc - The Scientific Library in Olomouc has announced a public collection of books that will become part of the unconventional decoration of the new foyer planned for the extension of the red church in Olomouc. "People can bring books throughout March, with a maximum of 20 pieces," said library director Iveta Tichá today to ČTK. About 10,000 books will be needed to create a large decorative wall.

The red church on Svobody Street in the center of Olomouc served as a book storage facility for nearly 60 years and was inaccessible to the public. Last year, the books were transferred to a new archive in the outskirts of the city, and the church has been empty since then. The Olomouc region is preparing for its restoration. It will take two years and cost up to 130 million crowns. A company to ensure the reconstruction is to be selected in the spring. The restored church will then be opened to the public.

Inside the new extension, there will be a wall made of books. The total length of the shelves is 190 meters, with about 50 books fitting into one meter. Thus, approximately 10,000 books will need to be arranged on the shelves. In addition to the public, district libraries are also involved in the collection, which will provide deaccessioned volumes.

"Especially old publications with yellowed pages are welcome. However, white pages or those in other colors are not a barrier. As for the dimensions, the condition is a height of 20 to 32 centimeters and a width of 10 to 21 centimeters. The thickness of the volume should be at least one centimeter," Tichá stated.

The collection point is at the reception of the main building of the scientific library on Svobody Street. According to Tichá, people should bring books with preserved bindings and covers. The volumes should not be damp or moldy.

"The wall made of old books is included in the architectural design of the extension of the red church. It will create a space for concerts, exhibitions, or a café. The investment will cost the region over 100 million crowns," said Deputy Governor Petr Vrána (ANO).

The red church, which was completed in 1903, is 55 meters high. Since 1956, it has been used as a storage facility for the Scientific Library in Olomouc. After reconstruction, the church will have a capacity of 200 seats and will also serve as an information center for the Olomouc region.