To spot the Youth Library Of The City Of Košice, look for a long, crisp white building with tall windows and a hint of modern flair, sitting just beyond an open grassy area with a few leafless trees.
Now, as you stand here in front of the Youth Library, imagine you're holding your favorite childhood book and stepping back in time to 1955, when the dreams of reading adventures were just beginning in Košice. This wasn’t just any library-this was the pilot project that set out to spark imaginations in every corner of Czechoslovakia, aiming to create havens for children and young people in every regional city. But here’s the twist: while the other planned children’s libraries never fully appeared, this one grew into a legend, becoming the only library of its kind, both in Slovakia and across the old Czechoslovakia.
At first, it was a humble place, just three rooms bustling with bright-eyed readers on then-named Leninová street, a different world where 2,328 readers borrowed nearly 60,000 books that very first year. Through decades and many name changes, the library never lost its playful heart. From crafts and contests to wild book festivals, the staff has always been less like strict librarians and more like magicians-conjuring up wonder, sparking laughter, and guiding each tiny visitor towards a lifelong love for books and knowledge.
Today, you’re standing by the headquarters of a library with 19 branches, over 14,000 regular readers (mostly kids and families!), and a mountain of books-211,000 volumes lining its shelves. Each year, the library hosts an astonishing 3,000 events, welcoming almost 160,000 visitors. Not to brag, but this place won the “Library of the Year” award in 2021 and keeps earning badges for creativity. Think of it as the Hogwarts of Košice: secret reading corners, festivals galore, and maybe even a book with your name on it, just waiting to be discovered!
