University Library at Bory: Knowledge and hot lunch under one roof

Microwave, electric kettle and dishes. All this is now available at the Bory Library, where students and staff can now consume their own food without leaving the building. Those with various dietary restrictions will appreciate this innovation the most.

Probably all of us have encountered the warning that food does not belong in the library. In Pilsen, it is different - the University Library on the UWB campus in Bory offers readers a newly equipped kitchen. Of course, it is still neither possible nor desirable to eat snacks directly over the books, but readers no longer have to leave the library building to eat. If they bring their own food, they can heat it up. They can also prepare their own hot drinks. The library is thus responding to the demand and wishes of students, who can use the microwave, electric kettle and dishes in the kitchen.

The kitchen has only been open for a few days, but it is frequently used. "It's fantastic, finally a place where you can eat your own food. The main thing for us is the microwave, it's really basic. I noticed it as soon as the kitchen opened and it's cool, I will definitely use it," said Jiří Zlámal from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, while a small line formed in the kitchen. "Maybe it would take two microwaves," he added with a laugh.

Hana Vlčková, the head of the Bory Library, describes how the idea of building a kitchen came about: "At the beginning of the academic year, students frequently contacted us with questions about where they could heat up their own food on the university campus. This option was often requested especially by those who have various dietary restrictions. This led my colleagues and I to the idea of setting up a student kitchen here." Students can heat up their lunch or make coffee here and make their study day more enjoyable.

The University Library serves primarily as a support for students and academics in their studies and research activities. At the same time, it attempts to offer visitors a welcoming and creative environment. Gradually, kitchenettes for students have been established in the Education and Health Care Library on Klatovská třída and in the Arts and Law Library in sady Pětatřicátníků 16.

The Bory Library joined these branches on 26 November. Visitors can find its kitchen on the ground floor of the library, opposite the university shop in the old janitor's room.