The island intends to build a city library in the Palace of Princes

Ostrov (Karlovy Vary) - In the historical building of the Palace of Princes, the town of Ostrov wants to establish a new municipal library. It should replace the inadequate spaces of the current library, which has been located in a building originally built as a confectionery since 1961. The town is now preparing documents to apply for grants from the European Union or the state budget. The cost of renovating the building and establishing the library is estimated at several tens of millions of crowns. This was stated today by Mayor Jan Bureš.
    The current municipal library has only 180 square meters at its disposal. However, it would need up to 800 square meters according to relevant standards. The situation would not be resolved even by a possible renovation associated with the extension of the existing library, said its director Irena Leitnerová. "The Palace of Princes was originally the property of the Karlovy Vary Region. Last year, it was transferred to us free of charge along with the neighboring castle for the elementary school Klínovecká. The region wants to create a multifunctional educational center from it,” noted Bureš.
    The town is currently preparing a project for the use of the Palace of Princes. The object has been geodetically surveyed, and a mycological survey has started, along with architectural historical and other construction technical surveys, said Alexandra Fürbachová, head of the town's development and urban planning department. "The documentation for the construction permit has also begun to be processed. We are also preparing, in cooperation with heritage conservationists, an archaeological and restoration survey of the palace,” she stated.
    The town has big plans for the neighboring castle, which is currently used by a secondary school. The town hall is supposed to move here, and this intention has already been incorporated into the strategic development plan of the town. The historical core of the town of Ostrov has been gradually restored since 1989 from both public and private sources. "The relocation of the town hall and the library to this part would lead to its revitalization. Local residents and entrepreneurs are pointing out the loss of public interest in the old town,” added Fürbachová.