Turnov will have studies prepared for the construction of a new library

Turnov - The City Library in Turnov may move from its current inadequate premises to a new building in a few years, the construction of which will require tens of millions of crowns. The project is still in the preparation stage, and the city plans to develop two versions of the architectural study by autumn. The decision on any construction will be made by the new council. This was informed to journalists today by Deputy Mayor Jana Svobodová (ANO). Implementation, in an ideal scenario, would begin no earlier than 2020.

The Antonín Marka City Library is among the oldest in the country, celebrating 200 years since its inception in 2020. Discussions about its relocation from Jeronýmova Street have been ongoing for years in the fifteen-thousand-strong town. "The current premises are inadequate," said the Deputy Mayor. The building does not have the capacity needed for the library, lacks better hygiene and visitor facilities, as well as a community hall, and is not barrier-free. The library has 2,000 readers, and over 11,000 people attended its events last year.

The city has considered several options in the past, such as moving to a school on Zborovská Street or to the Cultural Center Střelnice building. However, none of the proposed options ultimately proved suitable. The idea of moving to the building of the first-republic cinema in Trávnice also did not gain support in the council.

The architectural studies will focus on the construction of a new building on Skálova Street, in the area between the summer cinema and the birthplace of the priest and national awakener Antonín Marka. "The advantage of this location is definitely its position," Svobodová stated. It is located in the center, near schools and at a natural crossroads in Turnov. The new building should meet current library requirements, which are no longer just places for borrowing books but also spaces for social and intergenerational meetings and education.

The city is considering two options for the use of the new building. According to the first, there would only be a library, and the construction cost is estimated at 45 million crowns. The second option includes the idea that the building would also serve as a leisure center called Yellow Submarine. This would increase construction costs by approximately 30 million crowns. The city will have an architectural study developed for both options.

A partial expansion of library services will occur this year. From autumn, there will be a permanent branch in the reconstructed spaces of the train station.