In 2002, the state of the
Klementinum area was still changing for the worse; several
breakdowns occurred, especially of media connections, which often
disturbed the run of the library. The repairs of roofing and
exteriors, which are in a critical state of disrepair, continued in
the main Klementinum´s yard and in the Liliova Street. The works
were interrupted by the catastrophic five-hundred-year flood.
We continued our endeavours to realize further
development of the National Library including the reconstruction of
the Klementinum. As it was not still decided about financial support
of the construction of the National Technical Library, the Premier
of the Czech Republic was asked for an adjourment in completing the
task called ´Proposal of a new schedule of works on the National
Library development and of works on the construction of a new
building of the National Technical Library´. However, finishing the
reconstruction of the Klementinum is conditioned, among other, with
clearance of rooms used by the State Technical Library, which is
over 4 000 m2, i.e. ca. 20 % of the total Klementinum usage area.
We did not manage to solve other urgent problems
connected with the development of the National Library, especially
we were not successful in gaining the grounds surrounding the
Central Depository in Hostivař into the library´s possession. The
grounds are necessary for completing the depository building,
however the restitution claim was lodged to them. We also did not
manage to purchase the Trauttmannsdorf Palace. And both completing
the depository building and the purchase of the palace turned to be
very urgent, with a view of the fact that the term of the planned
reconstruction of the Klementinum will be delayed.
