City Library is also open to foreigners
Brno’s public library, founded by writer and journalist Jiří Mahen in 1921, boasts 33 branches throughout the city and offers not only books but lots of other items and opportunities, available also to those who do not understand Czech.
You can take out books in various languages or an electronic reader. Browse through their online catalog here.
You can try to delve into the Czech mentality by checking out a local movie with English subtitles. If you don’t know where to start, Lee Adams, an expat from Brno, wrote tens of reviews for the classics and not so classic Czech films – browse through his list here.
The Music Dpt. offers a huge selection of CDs and other study material. You can become a volunteer there via the Europe Direct centre or just come and enjoy the library space or local café with your book or use the wi-fi.
Parents with babies will appreciate the Family Point while children or teenagers the cosy nooks with toys and games in the Children’s Department. There’s also a Senior point.
There are many events happening every month, although not all of them are English-friendly. The calendar is at your disposal here.
How to join
Just walk in – it’s one corner away from the náměstí Svobody, Kobližná 4.
Step to the registration counter and show your ID and proof of residence. It’s possible you end up talking with a non-English-speaking clerk, so prepare the Czech sentence “chci se zaregistrovat (jako čtenář)” in advance.
Any foreigner can become a member. If you are a European citizen and you don’t have your temporary residence card, you can still register but you’ll pay a deposit.
The fee for one year is 200 CZK. You can use the same membership card in any of their 33 branches throughout Brno. Find the one that’s closest to you.
