Prague libraries have more readers

Prague citizens visit libraries more and more often. During the 90´s the number of readers went down, but since the Municipal Library on Marianske namesti was reconstructed in 1998, the number keeps raising. Nowadays, there are almost 200 000 registered readers of the Municipal Library of Prague, which makes about 16.6 percent of Prague citizens.

Most of the library´s branches are already automated, most recently the branch in Skalka, and soon also the branches in Michle and Vikova, Prague 4.

There are also plans for building new libraries in the city, as for the National Library, which should be built in 2010 in Letna and so move from the historical building Clementinum, which is now its residence. In 2008 there should be also a new National Technical Library.

Another possibility to borrow a book in Prague is to visit some foreign institute, for example Goethe-Institut in Masarykovo nabrezi or Institut Francais de Prague in Stepanska street.

This week, an event The week of the libraries takes place in many libraries around the republic. Its purpose is to attract new visitors, so people can for example obtain a free pass to the State Technical Library for half a year, or see various exhibitions.

The most popular book among readers right now is Da Vinci Code, which is reserved by 37 people in The Municipal Library.