The architectural competition will decide on the design of the new library in Česká Lípa

Česká Lípa - An architectural competition will decide on the design of the new library at Jeřábek Square in Česká Lípa. The winner will create project documentation for the city. The same method has already been tried by the city hall in the reconstruction of Škroup Square. The new building will be located in an infill site and must also make use of buildings 158 and 159, which remained on the square after the partial demolition of the inn. The project will address not only the library itself but also the space between it and the Basilica of All Saints, said Mayor Jitka Volfová (ANO) to ČTK today.

"The library should be a pride of Česká Lípa; I believe that architects will design a building that will not only serve the purpose of a library but will also be a community center, a center of education. The current main library building is in poor technical condition, does not meet accessibility requirements, and does not meet modern needs," the mayor added. The new building at the corner of Tržní and Prokopa Holého streets will allow for further development of the library and the expansion of its services.

The discussion about new spaces for the city library in Česká Lípa has been ongoing for over 20 years, along with the reconstruction of the theater and the construction of an outdoor swimming pool, these projects are among the city's priorities. The city hall also considered the possibility of moving the library to the Crystal Cultural House, which is being prepared for reconstruction, but the construction of a new building in the gap between Tržní Street and Jeřábek Square was prioritized. Originally, the city hall wanted to build a new theater there, but eventually decided to renovate the original building of Jirásek Theater, thus freeing up the space for the library.

"The loyal readers of the Česká Lípa Library are eagerly waiting for the construction of the new main building, visiting the organization not only for borrowing books but also for many interesting lectures and other small cultural events organized by the library. The library's activity in this regard is exceptional and deserves to have suitable facilities for these activities, similar to what has been achieved in the newly renovated branches in Špičák and Lada," said the councilor for culture, Michal Prokop (Živá Lípa).

Prokop expects that with the new building, interest in the library and its services could increase, as has happened after the reconstruction of the branches in the Lada and Špičák housing estates. The construction costs are estimated at 200 million crowns, and the city hall plans to apply for a grant for the library from the Integrated Regional Operational Program (IROP), which could cover up to 85 percent of the needed funds, but a maximum of 85 million crowns.