Public Library in Opole
Modern and beautiful are the two adjectives that best describe the Public Library in Opole. The building stands on the edge of the OldTown, and close to the Gothic-baroque Franciscan Monastery, Prisoners of War Museum, MłynówkaCanal and city park. While walking in the OldTown, stop by the library building combining old and new architecture in a tasteful way and with respect for the historic surroundings. Here modern structure meets a former tenement house and remnants of the medieval city walls.
The remodelling and extension of the library in Opole was executed according to the design by Małgorzata and Andrzej Zatwardnicki. The library complex consists of two parts – a 19th-century house with a neo-classical facade and a modern partially glazed structure which blends in beautifully with the surrounding architecture. The two parts are connected with a narrow glazed structure designed to bring more daylight to the library. There are bridges between the two parts on each floor.
The new part has been inspired by books on library shelves. The main entrance is flanked by gray concrete slabs covered with unusual “graffiti” – a poem by Edward Stachura in the Polish and English language versions. The side facing the park and MłynówkaCanal has cracks and glazed parts which makes the structure open to the greenery and the water.
The interior is very functional – spacious and airy with metal and glass latticework structures making the interior appear incredibly friendly and modern. The ground floor has a press reading room, a foyer, a conference room and a cosy cafe – all operating even outside the opening hours of the library. Above are a children’s library, a fairytale room with a patio, a mezzanine with an educational showcase, a lending library and reading room for adults and a mediatheque. The building has state-of-the-art media and computer equipment. Readers can use an online catalogue and a self-service system to borrow and return books.
The Municipal Library in Opole offers a wide range of events for all age groups. Especially noteworthy are the children’s offerings, which is signified by a medal awarded to the library in the school year of 2009/2010 in the social campaign “Read to Children Aloud.”
The project received the main award in the 4th contest Poland Even More Beautiful. Seven Miracles of EU Funds in the Revitalization category.
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