More Libraries Your Children Will Enjoy

Note: For the first part of the article on Children friendly libraries click here.

Previously, I wrote about some of the city’s branches on the left bank of the Vltava that have offerings for English speaking children. This time, I’ll cover the options on the other side.

A complete list of Prague branches can be found at: http://www.mlp.cz/cz/kontakty/pobocky.

Ústřední knihovna – Central Library
Mariánské nám. 1/98, Prague 1

Prague’s main library and main contact for the entire network Mestska Knihovna  is located just off Staromestske nam. This regal looking building houses theatre, art, and music departments- as well as a Pragensia section, devoted to Prague and its history. The children’s department is bigger, and the English language books fill a whole bookcase. There are many German and French books, too. Perhaps it’s thanks to the British Council, which donated their collection, that the books here are modern and interesting. I found an armful of good reads.

Events: Every third Thursday there is a story/play hour for preschoolers, but not in English.
Parking: Central Prague, so there’s not much chance of parking nearby.

Historical Libraries
While you’re in the downtown area, why not stop by the impressive National Library of the Czech Republic at Klementinum 190 or the gorgeous Baroque library Strahovská knihovna, at the monastery at Strahovské nádvoří 1/132 for a quick peek at what libraries looked in the past.

Strahovská knihovna, Prague

NEW English Language Kids Department at Korunní Branch Library
Korunní 68/2160 Prague 10

Events: Class Acts will use the Korunni space to host storytelling in English, a fun program that includes books, music, puppets, and crafts. As a follow up, starting in 2012, PACK will host monthly family meetings at the newly renovated playground nearby. Every Thursday at 14:30 the library hosts a Czech story hour and crafts workshop for kids.
Parking: Paid parking by the hour on Korunni street.

Prague Christian Library
Baranova 32 Prague 3

Events: Children aged 3-7 are invited to English language story hour, held at the library on the second and fourth Saturday mornings of each month starting at 10:00. Story time includes crafts, songs and games.
Parking: The most consistently reliable option would be to take advantage of the 30 minute free parking of Flora and take the short walk over.

One last thing! This isn’t a library – but a bookstore – where you are welcome to read aloud to your kids in the lounge area – or join in for free storytelling hours. In May 2011, two ladies – one German, the other French – opened Amadito & Friends, an international children’s bookstore. They stock excellent books in English, French and German. Books make great gifts, and some are destined to be heirlooms so as much as I love a public library, I enjoy building my kids’ private collection too with educational, fun and quality books. (http://www.amadito.com/home.html)

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