Znojmo will present a study for the conversion of the former post office on Horní náměstí into a library

Znojmo - Znojmo is preparing to present to the public an architectural study for the reconstruction of the former post office building on Horní náměstí into a city library in two weeks, on May 19. The current one on Zámečnická street no longer meets the current needs and activities, which are no longer just about lending books. The new library is also expected to serve as a cultural and community center, said Mayor František Koudela (ODS) in a press release.

The purchase of the building was approved by the councilors in 2021; according to the original plan, officials were supposed to move there from the building on Armády square. However, in last year's referendum, people preferred the library to be located in the post office building, and the city began to gradually renovate the administrative building on Armády square.

The proposal for the reconstruction of the post office comes from the studio Kuba & Pilař architects. Today, the building is largely unused and does not meet current technical requirements. "The architects aim to remove inappropriate interventions from the past and preserve and emphasize original elements, such as cast-iron columns in the vestibule, historic staircase, or stucco decoration," said city spokesperson Petra Šuláková.

The library already offers, in addition to its core activities, lectures, works with children from a young age, as well as offers events for seniors and creates space for meetings. The current library premises are insufficient for this purpose. The new library will include a literary café with an outdoor garden in the atrium, a large lecture hall, and also study rooms. The reconstruction will also open the previously closed inner courtyard and create a new passage from Horní náměstí to Horní Česká street. The atrium with a water feature and greenery is intended to serve not only the library's visitors.

"In creating the form of the new library, we were also inspired by cities that have sought a path to a new library. Even historic buildings can function greatly for the current needs of a modern community center. One such library, which can serve as inspiration, is in Písek," said Deputy Mayor Bohumila Beranová (Znojmáci). In the historic building at náměstí Svobody, for example, the Jiří Mahen Library operates in Brno.