The longest chandelier in European libraries proudly resides in Most

Most - The longest chandelier in European libraries is proudly displayed in Most. A double helix of glass tubes winds above the bookshelves across the entire length of the building, which dates back to 1985. The work of glass artist Vladimír Procházka corresponds with the size of the open spaces that were being built at that time. The city is now considering relocating the library to the cultural center Repre. What will happen to the chandelier remains unclear.

The total area of the building, whose front wall is glass and in the evening thus radiates the light of the chandelier into the street, is 6,440 square meters. It also includes space for a bookmobile and a bookbinding and reprographic workshop. “Neither the bookmobile nor the bookbinding workshop has ever actually been part of the city library,” said Deputy Director Anna Němcová to ČTK.

A group of climbers helps maintain the chandelier, while library staff work on creating a sort of comfortable living room for readers. “We have bought a lot of new chairs, tables, and colorful carpets, and we have a children’s corner here. Visitors can comfortably sit down, take a book, and if they don’t like it, reach for another one. I am convinced that everyone will find something among our quarter of a million volumes,” Němcová stated.

The building also features interesting items that one would not typically expect to find in a library. On the ground floor, there is an aviary with a flock of Australian parrots. “Alongside that, we keep quails, we have aquarium fish, and the turtle Karel is a member of the team, particularly involved in children's excursions,” said Němcová.

This year's novelty includes bees on the roof of the building. “In June, we installed two hives. We obtained very mild colonies imported from Austria,” Němcová indicated. Experts are now checking whether the bees could also be brought closer to the readers. “We are exploring the possibility of a hive with a glass side, which would serve an educational function. Visitors would safely observe the happenings in the hive from the reception area, which would be placed in the open atrium of the library,” the librarian noted.

The implementation of all other ideas from the staff, however, will depend on the city’s decision regarding the library's future. The city hall is considering moving it to the cultural center Repre in the city center. According to a study commissioned by the city, the library fits into the building. Now, structural engineers are assessing whether it can also bear the weight of the books.