Rath plans to build the Kaplický Library at the airport in Ruzyně

Prague - Central Bohemian governor and MP David Rath (ČSSD) wants the library, according to architect Jan Kaplický's design, to be built on land in his region near Václav Havel Airport. Rath's party leader Jiří Paroubek stated this on TV Prima.
    Paroubek emphasized that relocating the controversial building from Prague's Letná Plain, where Kaplický failed to advocate for it, to the outskirts of the metropolis is not ideal. "It is ideal to have the library in the middle of the city so that it is available to university students," Paroubek told reporters as he left the television station.
    Rath himself told TV Nova that the building could be located not only near the airport but also in Kladno or Příbram.
    He added that if people want Kaplický's library in Prague, they should also support the Social Democrats in the elections for Prague City Council. He also pointed out that it is not certain how, or if, all the complications related to copyright ownership and the inevitable project changes will be resolved.
    Kaplický's design won the competition for a new building of the National Library more than two years ago. The initial enthusiasm of the jury members for the winning design was completely turned around by political circumstances. President Václav Klaus opposed the building, referred to as "The Octopus" or "The Snore," and its construction was ultimately prevented by the Prague City Hall led by Mayor Pavel Bém (ODS). Bém is perceived as a close political ally of Klaus. Conversely, the opposition ČSSD, to which Rath belongs, began to support the construction.
    The story of the unconventional building took on a new dimension when the over seventy-year-old Kaplický suddenly passed away this January on the day his wife gave birth to their daughter. Library fans collected thousands of signatures in favor of the construction, and demonstrations were held to support it.