In H. Brod, a new regional library is open to the public from today

Atelier 02 (Ing. Milan Stejskal): Regional Library of Vysočina, Havl. Brod

Havlíčkův Brod – The new building of the regional library on Žižková street is open from today in Havlíčkův Brod. The library was closed since last October 19, first due to the move and then due to government measures against the epidemic. At the new address, only the pick-up counter was in operation so far. Readers can now not only order books but also select them themselves, but they should spend as little time in the library as possible. Study spaces and the café are not yet operational, and educational events continue to be held only online.

So far, people have been going to the new building to pick up ordered books at the central counter. Access to other parts with shelves full of books is open from 10:00. Milan Maťátko was the first to go for a look, who originally came just to collect his ordered books. He has been visiting the library for years. "I've been here in Brod since '86 and basically I've been a reader here since that year," he told ČTK. He praised the helpfulness of the librarians and also likes the new building. "I have to say that it is a beautiful building since they clad it in that green," he said. Large areas of the façade are covered with plants.

The new library was built by the region because there was not enough space for it in the Old Town Hall on Havlíčkovo Square. The new building on Žižková street cost over 170 million crowns according to earlier data and was completed last summer. A parking garage was built next to it.

According to initial expectations, the new library was supposed to start serving the public at the end of last year. Due to the epidemic, there was only a pick-up window there for a few days from December 17. "After that, the restrictions were quite strict again, so even the opening of the window couldn't happen and it pretty much alternated like that," said library director Jitka Hladíková today.

Even now, due to the epidemic, there are several restrictions for visitors, with about 120 allowed in the library at the same time. Access to places where they could sit is restricted with barriers. It is necessary to maintain distances and wear a respirator. This morning it was calm, and according to the director, it is difficult to estimate interest in the coming days. "We don't know if people will be scared or if they will be more excited, curious, and want to see the free selection," she said.

Many readers have so far also utilized the option to order and pick up books. "We processed 300 to 400 orders daily," Hladíková stated. She noted that this is a comparable number to the orders the library had before the move.

The Regional Library of Vysočina has over 6,000 registered readers and also serves as the municipal library in Havlíčkův Brod. It manages over 380,000 documents and employs 40 people.

Libraries in the Czech Republic were able to reopen in limited mode two weeks ago. The regional library needed to process a large number of returned books first. "Since we were moving and were closed, we urged readers to borrow as many documents as possible," the director noted. Now people are again bringing back the books they have read in large numbers.

Books can now be selected from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 18:00. The central counter of the regional library is open from 08:00.