Prachatice continues to plan the construction of a library, despite the fact that the cost estimate has significantly increased

Prachatice - Prachatice will continue the preparation for the construction of a library and a multifunctional educational center, although the costs will be higher than the original estimate. The former councilors counted on 90 million CZK, and it was possible to obtain a grant from IROP of 68 million crowns. The new estimated costs, which the new city leadership has, are 155 million crowns. The project of the former councilors was not well prepared, said Mayor Jan Bauer (ODS) today at the council meeting. According to the new estimate of expenditures, the grant will cover 44 percent of the costs. The library needs new space, its director Hana Mrázová said today.

"The project is not well prepared, it is hastily put together. It is our duty to prepare it very well. We want to continue with the project," said the mayor. According to him, the former councilors significantly underestimated the costs. This year, the city has allocated three million for the completion of the project documentation. Bauer has previously stated that the construction of the library will have a fundamental impact on the town hall's expenses for the entire electoral term. Opposition councilor Vladimír Lang (Independents) told ČTK today that the new cost estimate is higher due to inflation and an increase in raw material prices related to the war in Ukraine.

The library should be built in the former fire station. Deputy Mayor Jakub Nepustil (Living Prachatice) said today that the costs could reach up to 200 million. "I also support the idea of the city taking out a loan," said Nepustil.

The city now has a financial reserve of 103.5 million crowns, former mayor Martin Malý (Independents) said today. He mentioned that a further grant of ten million has been pledged for the library by the Local Action Group Šumavsko. According to him, construction could begin next year. "This is a historic situation, let's take advantage of it; there won't be another opportunity (for construction)," Malý said. The plan for what the new library should offer is well prepared, Ivo Kareš, director of the South Bohemian Scientific Library, told the councilors today.

The Prachatice library had previously surveyed readers about what bothers them about the building. People criticized humidity, uncomfortable seating, barrier-free spaces, insufficient hygiene facilities, lack of refreshments, poorly illuminated areas, and parking difficulties. "There is high humidity in our library; unfortunately, there is mold in the library, on the ceilings behind the shelves. The library is very cold, heated only by storage heaters. The library needs new space so that we can carry out activities corresponding to the 21st century. It is a place of meeting; it is not just a book lending service," said Mrázová. The Prachatice library cares for approximately 100,000 documents. It has 1,697 registered readers, which is over 15 percent of the city's population.

Prachatice, which has nearly 11,000 residents, has a budget this year with revenues of 305.6 million and expenditures of 315.4 million crowns. The deficit of nearly ten million will be covered by reserves from previous years. The city is investing 44 million crowns.