In Písek, a new library and education center will be established

source: ČKA

Písek - The new City Library and Education Center in Písek will cost nearly 168 million crowns. It will be created from the building of the former elementary school on Alšovo náměstí, which is adjacent to the current library building. The intention to build the library and simultaneously submit a request for a grant was approved today by the Písek city council.

The construction of the library itself will cost less than 153 million crowns. The interior and exterior furnishings will cost 15 million crowns. The city can obtain a maximum of 18 million crowns in grants. The building is designed to be barrier-free, and two elevators are planned. Construction is set to begin next April, with operations expected to start in November 2018.

The architectural competition was announced by the city in 2013, and it was won by Studio A.B.S. The new design of the building primarily aims to cleanse the former school building of all modern extensions and other interventions. Therefore, the extension of the dining room, gas meter room, freight elevator, and boiler room in the truss, which is manifested by a massive dormer on the roof, should disappear.

"The newly designed wing of the storage creates an inner quiet courtyard without vehicular access for the needs of the new library placement, with the intention to utilize both the indoor and outdoor spaces of the revitalized original school building for library operations," stated Deputy Mayor Josef Knot (TOP 09).

On the ground floor of the interconnected building, there will also be a tourist information center. "The second floor is designed for a children's and youth section and a fiction section with a dedicated independently accessible classroom and a language corner for lifelong learning. A specific space for teenagers is designated between the fiction and children's sections," said the director of the Písek City Library Roman Dub. According to him, the third floor will house the non-fiction literature section and a section for regional literature, which will also provide access to additional materials from the partner cities of Písek.