Isn’t it amazing that one of Prague’s oldest libraries stands here? Knihovna Na Vinohradech has a rich history. It is more than just books.
Knihovna Na Vinohradech first opened in 1885. The Post and Telegraph Directorate founded it. It was originally for postal workers. After 1918, it changed its name. It became the Library of Postal and Conceptual Officials in Prague.
This Knihovna Na Vinohradech isn’t the Municipal Library in Královské Vinohrady. That library was in the National House. Knihovna Na Vinohradech really took off in 1941. Josef Mleziva became the librarian.
He reorganized the library. Mleziva modernized how books were bought and loaned. During World War II, the library became a hub. Resistance fighters met here. They hid banned books from the Nazis.
In 1945, it was renamed Bezručova Library. It honored postal workers. The library moved to Politických vězňů Street. It fell under the Trade Union of Transport Workers. The library’s collection grew quickly. It was the first to send books to post offices in border regions.
Librarian J. Mleziva organized reader events. There were lectures and cultural activities at Knihovna Na Vinohradech. A children’s section opened. The library became popular.
In 1954, the library moved to the Radiopalác. It was still on Vinohradská Street. It became the Bezručova Library of the Union Club of Communications Workers. In 1959, it moved again. It went to Náměstí Míru. It merged with another library. Library services expanded. They worked with local schools. The library also served as a district library.
In 1996, Knihovna Na Vinohradech became a public library. It belonged to the Prague 2 district. It moved to Sázavská and Korunní Street 15. The city invested in renovations. In 2001, the library automated its system.
The building at Korunní 15 became too small. In May 2007, Knihovna Na Vinohradech moved here. This is Vinohradská 69. The building was renovated. It gained accessibility, a study, and a children’s area. Kids can play and listen to stories here.
Today, Knihovna Na Vinohradech is automated. It uses an electronic catalog. Visitors have internet access. Staff organize lectures and author readings. They host school events and contests.
Each year, about 3,000 new titles arrive. Knihovna Na Vinohradech has about 55,270 items. It subscribes to 42 periodicals. About 100,000 people visit each year.
Knihovna Na Vinohradech is part of Prague 2. It complements other libraries in the district. You can find them on Dittrichova, Záhřebská, and Ostrčilovo náměstí.
You can visit Knihovna Na Vinohradech at Vinohradská 69. Call 222 513 900. Or email knihovna@knv.cz. The director is Běla Uhlířová. The children’s section is run by Eva Šmídová.
It is a place for everyone.