Thanks to computers, we can study at home and conveniently find most of the information we need on the internet. However, it often helps to change our working environment. The importance of libraries in the city is constantly growing—they are safe places open to everyone, where we often go to recharge our batteries and boost our creativity. Architects, sociologists, and librarians themselves are noticing the new functions of libraries. And you don’t have to come here just to read. We will look at the art in library buildings, peek into a secret garden, and explain why the floor at the National Technical Library is colorful. Can you guess which Prague library is located in a former bank hall? And where are librarians now only available by phone?
National Technical Library: Even a colorful floor has a reason
The National Technical Library, designed by the Projektil studio, complemented the Dejvice university campus in 2009. Thanks to its wide range of study areas, it also attracts humanities students from all over Prague. You can even lie down on the sofas with your friends while studying. The 24-hour night study room is also highly appreciated.
The spacious atrium is decorated with provocative drawings by Romanian artist Dan Perjovschi, and the entire building is like a giant textbook on technology. For example, the colorful floors are not a random design, but faithfully copy the tension of the ceiling slabs as calculated by structural engineers. In the blue areas, the reinforced concrete must withstand the greatest deflections, while in the red areas, it must withstand pressure. And the labels on the stairs will inform you about the calories burned. Projektil architects are also behind the design of the Study and Research Library in Hradec Králové.
At the National Technical Library, you can choose between armchairs and sofas, and even outdoor seating on the roof. Just be mindful of noise on the third floor, where quiet and peace are required.
Source: National Technical LibraryCentral Library: Palace for the tenth anniversary of the republic
The construction of the Central Library building was financed by the Prague Municipal Savings Bank (Pražská městská spořitelna), which donated it to the capital city on the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1928. Preparations began as early as 1923, and František Roith's design won the competition. Incidentally, the nearby Rudolfinum building was created in a similar way. It was built in 1885 by Czech Savings Bank (Česká spořitelna) to mark its 50th anniversary.
In addition to books and study rooms, the Central Municipal Library still offers a special section of Prague memorabilia, several lecture halls, a puppet theater, and on the right side (when viewed from Mariánské náměstí), you can enter the mayor's representative apartment. It is used, for example, for receiving distinguished guests of the capital city. The fine arts also have a place here. In the library foyer, you will find a sculpture by Matej Krén composed of discarded volumes called Idiom, which has become a popular destination for foreign tourist groups. The Capital City Gallery manages the halls on the first floor, where it is currently displaying additions to its collections. And in the arcade, you will find a light installation by artist Jakub Nepraš, which is lit up throughout the year. It lights up according to how active disinformation websites are. If you can't find what you're looking for among the nearly 2 million documents in the Municipal Library, the historic Klementinum complex is located directly opposite, housing the National Library and other study areas.
When visiting the Central Library, try to focus on the six sculptures by Ladislav Kofránek located above the entrance. Based on their attributes, you can recognize Literature, Sculpture, Music, Philosophy, Drama, and Architecture. Today, however, the more popular sculpture is probably Idiom by Matej Krén, located in the entrance foyer and composed of 8,000 discarded books.
Source: Municipal Library | Author: Jiří PodrazilHradčany: A small library for residents of a tourist Disneyland
The municipal library is not just one building. It also manages 41 branches located throughout the city. A big advantage is that you can return books anywhere and all you need is one card, which can be loaded, for example, onto your Lítačka card. The Pohořelec branch is located in the side wing of the classicist Šlikovský Palace. A few years ago, there were plans to close it, which was met with strong protests from the residents of Hradčany. The library has become an important place for them, allowing them to enjoy a high quality of life in the middle of a neighborhood where shops and services are mainly focused on tourists.
The branch also organizes regular concerts and lectures. It now includes a freely accessible garden, perfect for sitting on a bench with a book. Over the fence, you can also see the courtyard of the Černín Palace with its functionalist extension by architect Pavel Janák, who rebuilt the complex for the needs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Hradčany Library is located at the end of Pohořelec, where Loretánská Street begins. It also includes a freely accessible garden with an unusual view into the interior of the Černín Palace.
Source: Municipal Library | Author: Ladislav DrahošAcademy of Sciences: Want to study in a former bank?
The main building of the Academy of Sciences is located opposite the New Stage on Národní třída. The impressive Neo-Renaissance building, designed by Ignác Ullmann, was originally built for the Czech Savings Bank (Böhmische Sparkasse). The Academy moved here in 1956, having previously been based in the National Museum. The library is located in the original bank hall, where Myslbek's sculptures Economy and Thriftiness watch over you as you study. Admission is not free—you will need to purchase a ticket for a symbolic 10 crowns or a year-long pass. There is also a small fee for WiFi access, which you can skip if you don't want to be disturbed at all. In the basement, you will also find a printing and bookbinding center, where they will help you with the ring binding of your seminar paper.
There used to be bank counters here. The original purpose is commemorated by the statues of Economy and Thriftiness, and the old-fashioned atmosphere is complemented by green lamps.
Source: Czech Academy of SciencesThe Great Mill: Librarians on the phone
Thanks to the Velký mlýn (The Great Mill) association and the support of municipal institutions, the Baroque building of the former Löwitz Mill on the banks of the Rokytka Stream was transformed in 2022–2023 into a lively cultural center with a café, library, clubroom, and cultural hall. A sensitive architectural renovation led by the AFI and AMBIT studios has breathed new life into the dilapidated industrial building and created a cozy space with a study room where you will feel right at home.
However, the preservation of this historic building is not the only interesting thing about this place. The branch of the Municipal Library is largely self-service. It is open to the public at the same time as the café—every day from 10:00 to 21:00, except on Mondays, when it opens at 13:00—but librarians are physically present for only three hours a day. The rest of the time, they can be reached by phone. This means you can borrow or return books by yourself and come to study almost anytime.
A sensitive architectural renovation led by the AFI and AMBIT studios has breathed new life into the dilapidated industrial building and created a cozy space with a study room where you will feel right at home.
Source: Velký mlýnWhat about CAMP?
We wish you the best of luck with your exams and tests! Many places tend to get crowded, especially as the second and subsequent exam dates approach. But you can also study at CAMP. There are designated areas for this in the White Hall. Just check our opening hours in advance, as we are sometimes closed due to various events. We look forward to your visit!
