Otrokovice are preparing a reconstruction of the city library branch in the Baťov area

Otrokovice – Otrokovice in the Zlín region is preparing for the reconstruction of its city library branch in the Baťov area. The building will have a new roof, windows, and interior. Repairs will begin in March. Due to preparatory work and relocation, the library will close to visitors in February, welcoming the first visitors again in the autumn, the town hall spokesperson Lenka Vaculová informed ČTK today.

"People can take any number of books with the understanding that the loan period for these borrowed titles will not need to be extended. It will be automatically extended until the library reopens. Therefore, readers do not have to worry about reminders. The main library branch in the town hall will remain open without restrictions, and it can, of course, be utilized by those who visit Baťov. However, books borrowed from Baťov cannot be returned here," said the head of the city library, Veronika Zbíralová.

The impetus for the reconstruction was the poor condition of the roof structure. "When the opportunity to obtain a grant appeared, we decided on a complete reconstruction that also includes internal modifications," said the mayor of Otrokovice, Hana Večerková (ANO). The reconstruction will cost 11.5 million crowns, with a European grant amounting to 9.8 million crowns.

"A modern city library should not only preserve the book collection but primarily fulfill an educational and cultural-social function, for which the space will be newly adapted. We are considering a raised stage for lectures, author readings, public screenings, and discussions. It is also necessary to ensure additional equipment, such as a projector and projection screen or mobile furniture, which will ensure the space's variability. We are also planning study areas, reading nooks, and a gallery wall," the mayor stated.

The library building was created during the Baťa functionalism period. "This architecture is characterized by the use of exposed brick, concrete, and glass. The brick reference is also a prominent feature of the building's facade. The color scheme of the interior works with basic colorfulness, where blue, silver, and white represent the colors of the city, and the brick facing strip adds the necessary warm atmosphere to the interior. At the same time, it will carry the reference of the tradition of the original architecture," said Aleš Doležel from the city's development department.