KDU-ČSL wants to name the new Hradec library after V. Havel

Reconstructed building

Hradec Králové - The new municipal library, which is being created by renovating the Vertex factory in the center of Hradec Králové, could be named after the former president Václav Havel. KDU-ČSL chairman Pavel Bělobrádek informed ČTK today that he wants to discuss the plan with the city council leadership in the coming days.
KDU-ČSL claims that Hradec Králové should name the library after the ex-president due to the very close relationship President Havel had with the city and the region. "I think we should show here in the Hradec Králové region that we appreciate the personality of our president Václav Havel, who not only contributed to democracy but also left an enormous cultural impact," stated Bělobrádek.
The leadership of the Hradec Králové city council had previously announced that it wants to rename Freedom Square in the city center to Havel Square. The proposal will be discussed by the councilors in January, and subsequently, the renaming would also need to be approved by the representatives. "The name for the new library has not yet been discussed," said the city council spokesperson Magdaléna Vlčková to ČTK today.
The new Hradec library will start serving the public in September 2012, with total costs nearing 197 million crowns. The city council has obtained most of the money from European grants. The library, designed by architect and actor David Vávra, will offer significantly better services for readers and improved facilities for staff.
The city council in Děčín also wants to name its new library after Havel. The director of the Václav Havel Library, Martin Palouš, stated in Czech Television (ČT) that naming other libraries after Václav Havel is not a very fortunate idea, as it may create confusion. "It is necessary to clarify this so that it is clear that the Václav Havel Library is the only institution with its specific mission in the spirit of American presidential libraries," said Palouš.
Václav Havel died on Sunday, December 18, at his cottage in Hrádeček in the Trutnov region at the age of 75.