Municipal Library of Hradec Kralove, Modern library in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
The Municipal Library of Hradec Králové is a modern building with spaces spread across multiple floors, designed by architect David Vavra and using natural light through thoughtful design. The layout of departments allows visitors to move easily between different areas for books, music, and other materials.
The library was founded in 1896 in house No. 59 behind the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit and moved several times during World War I and the interwar years. From 1939 it occupied the former Savings and Credit Institution in Tomkova Street until 2013, when it reopened in the converted Vertex factory on Wonkova Street.
The staircase railings are made of colourful mock book covers bearing the names of Kafka, Remarque, Hrabal, Lustig and Hemingway. The music department's seats have built-in headphones, and a small hall for 40 visitors between the children's and music departments hosts talks and author readings.
The library is open Monday through Saturday and welcomes international visitors without restrictions. There are different areas for different needs, so it helps to ask staff upon arrival where to find what you are looking for.
The whale-shaped metal frame in the corner of the roof terrace was inspired by Jiří Trnka's book Zahrada and is meant to be covered by climbing plants. The tower separating the library from the Garamon printing house is a light beacon shaped like a book with literary quotations.
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