There is always something romantic about a library. Not only does it inspire you to study as you’re in a haven surrounded by books, it also gives you the company of others like you who prefer the quiet to get things done. While studying abroad in Prague, there may be times when you want to get away from the buzz of cafes and the din of your shared apartments to take out some time and finish off your term papers or study for your exams.
Prague is a city that boasts of some of the world’s most beautiful and peaceful libraries and it would be a shame if you didn’t take advantage of them during your time here. These libraries are not to expensive to join, have many foreign language books and most often their staff can speak English, too. So here’s a list of Prague’s best libraries that you need to check out right now:
The National Library at Klementinum
This is, perhaps, the biggest library in the city and is situated at Marianske Square. A treasure house of books on subjects like literary criticism, history, philosophy, medicine and art, this Jesuit library dates to the 17th century. The library also has a reading room, to which you can gain entry by getting a daily pass for less than 15 CZK, and get access to academic texts in English. If you have a temporary or permanent residence proof in the Czech republic, you can also get yourself an annual membership card for just 100CZK. Apart from the extraordinarily beautiful and peaceful reading room, the library also offers free Wi-Fi. To know more about the opening hours and other facilities, click here.
The Municipal Library
Located close to the National Library is the smaller Municipal Library, which is one of 48 other such institutions around the city. Similar to the National Library, the municipal library, too, has a reading room which is open to even non-members. However, if you do get a membership card, for 80 CZK, you will be able to borrow books from the library and take advantage of the members-only internet facility here. And, the library also has a cool book tower in the entrance, which we’re sure book lovers will dig. To know more about the opening hours and other facilities, click here.
The National Library Of Technology
If you want to take a break from the classic reading rooms, head over to the The National Library of Technology at the Czech Technical University Campus in Dejvice. Housing over 1.5 million volumes of literature on scientific and technical topics, this library is best if you want to focus on your study material. The building, which is built fully in glass, has a 24 hour reading/study room and also boasts some of the best collections of science journals and electronic resources in the country. The library also hosts frequent events and talks which are open to all. To know more about the opening hours and other facilities, click here.
The Academy of Sciences Library
This library, located near the National Theatre by the Vlatva, is again one of the most prettiest in the city with its traditional archways and vintage architecture. It lets you travel back in time and peacefully get by with your work. Apart from the mammoth collection of books, the library also offers internet access. To study or borrow books from the library, you need to be a member. An annual membership will set you back by like 150 CZK and a day pass will cost you 10 CZK. To know more about the opening hours and other facilities, click here.
Charles University Libraries
Charles University is the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic and boasted a library with more than 23,500 books and 250 science journal as far back as in the 1880s. So do we need to say any more about the kind of academic treasure the university libraries hold. The university has several libraries situated around the city that are specialised in different faculties. And, what’s more, students of Czech College can obtain Charles University library cards and access the facilities.
Now that you know where to head to to finish up your assignments or study in peace, let us know what you choose for your next study outing.