The South Bohemian Research Library has completed modernization for 168 million

České Budějovice – The South Bohemian Scientific Library has completed modernization for 168 million crowns. An extension of the building on Lidická Street in České Budějovice has been created, providing space for more than 100,000 books in open access that were previously in storage. The library now has new areas with an area of almost 2000 m². Officially, the operation should begin in mid-February; when it opens to readers depends on coronavirus restrictions. Radek Šíma from the governor's office informed ČTK of this today in a press release.

Currently, the spaces are undergoing final inspection. The modernization began in April 2019. "We started the reconstruction and extension because the library did not offer sufficient space for open access to literature. Our goal was to allow readers to browse the shelves and select the titles themselves, as is common in all modern libraries. Moreover, they will no longer be reliant only on selection through the electronic catalog," stated Pavel Hroch, Deputy Governor for Culture (South Bohemians 2012).

Final touch-ups are nearing completion, the relocation of books is in progress, and IT technologies are being prepared. Initially, the library will open a pick-up window; when it fully opens depends on coronavirus measures. Services are currently provided online.

The extension and technical solution were designed by the Brno studio Kuba & Pilař architects, library director Ivo Kareš told ČTK earlier. The region, as the library's founder, received a European grant of 105 million crowns for the construction, 5.8 million was covered by the state, and over 57 million by the region.

The South Bohemian Scientific Library has 1.43 million volumes and 19,800 registered readers, including 4,800 children, library spokeswoman Petra Mašínová told ČTK today. This year, the South Bohemian Region allocated 60.7 million crowns for the library's operations.