Sokolov wants to build a new library for tens of millions

Sokolov - The Sokolov City Hall is preparing to build a new library, which should also serve as a multimedia educational center for the entire Sokolov region. However, since the construction costs are estimated at 60 to 80 million crowns, the city wants to use European Union grants in the next planning period, Mayor Karel Jakobec said today to reporters. In order for the construction to be feasible, the grant should cover about 80 percent of the total costs. According to Jakobec, this is not unrealistic.
"The foundation of the multifunctional educational center should be a library, which would move into the new building from the premises of the Sokolov Castle," Jakobec stated. The castle is owned by the region and is managed by the Sokolov Regional Museum. After the library is relocated, it could utilize the vacated space to expand its exhibitions, a large part of which is still awaiting publication in storage.
The city hall has already identified a location where the new library should be built. It is the area next to the hygiene station, adjacent to Husovy Sady. "A renowned architectural firm will be preparing the project for us. We do not have any specific idea; it should be a modern building that we would not have to be ashamed of. Moreover, we would welcome it if it were energy-efficient," Jakobec said, adding that the city is willing to invest more in construction and then save on operating costs.
The city hall received a grant of two million crowns for the preparation of the project documentation. In order to account for it on time, it did not announce a competition for the architectural design but directly commissioned the project preparation. However, the total costs will be significantly higher, and the city will supplement them from its own resources.