Why Does Czechia Have So Many Libraries?

Which country boasts the most libraries per capita? The answer is Czechia. It's almost impossible to walk around without stumbling upon a library. In Czechia, there are more libraries than elementary schools. In fact, there is one library for every 1,971 residents, which is four times more than in the average European country and ten times more than in the United States.

Why do Czechs take such pride in having so many libraries? Well, the abundance of libraries stems from an old law enacted in Czechia in 1919 when Czechoslovakia became an independent nation. At that time, much of the population was quite uneducated and even illiterate. To address this issue, lawmakers decided that every community, from large cities to tiny villages, was required to establish a library. This solution proved effective: Czechs flocked to libraries in droves, and to this day, they are among the world's most avid readers. Libraries play a crucial role in this: studies show that Czechs who borrow books from libraries purchase on average 11 more books each year than those who do not.

The ancient 1919 law survived the Nazi occupation, communist rule, and even the separation of Czechoslovakia into two independent countries, Czechia and Slovakia. However, budget constraints eventually took their toll, and in 2001, the requirement for every settlement to maintain a library was abolished. Back then, 15 years ago, there were 6,019 libraries in Czechia. Since then, about 11% of them have closed or merged. Still, Czechia has enough libraries to retain the title of 'world library champion.'

Of course, libraries worldwide face a decline in demand for their services due to the digital age. When almost any book or information can be accessed online, who needs a library? However, the Czechs, who take pride in their library tradition, are not quick to surrender to technology. In recent years, they have been working to maintain the relevance of libraries by organizing reading clubs, art exhibitions, and even computer courses within them. Libraries in Czechia even serve as polling stations during elections.

By the way, Czechia not only prides itself on having the most libraries in the world but also boasts the world's most beautiful library. This library is the Klementinum Library in Prague, a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Opened in 1722, it houses about twenty thousand books. Yet, its greatest attractions are not its rare volumes but the magnificent architecture, antique furniture, and beautiful mosaics on its ceiling.