The Centrum české dětské knihy (Czech Children's Book Centre) (CČDK), a unique institution of its kind in the Czech Republic, which aims to promote children's reading and artistic creation and to spread quality literature, is moving to new premises in Vratislavova 7 under Vyšehrad.
"We originally opened the Centrum české dětské knihy (Czech Children's Book Centre) at Jánský vršek, but we knew from the beginning that it was a temporary address that we shared with the Meander publishing house. When the opportunity to move into our own space came up, we didn't hesitate. Vratislavova Street is more generous and more convenient for children and parents in terms of accessibility. In addition, there are kindergartens and primary schools in the nearby area, for which we offer free art workshops," says Jakub Pavlovský, director of the CČDK.
The institution will open at its new address at Vratislavova 7, Prague 2, on the 25th of April at 17:00. The opening of the CČDK at the new address includes a launch party, a mini-concert, as well as the opening of an exhibition of illustrations from the book Babi by singer, songwriter, guitarist and artist Martina Trchová, which brings a powerful experience to readers of all ages. Babi is published by the publisher Host.
Centrum české dětské knihy (Czech Children's Book Centre): Door to the world of stories
The idea of establishing an institution in the Czech Republic similar to the International House of Arts BIBIANA in Bratislava, which will also include the education of librarians and teachers, was conceived by Ivana Pecháčková, the founder of the Knižní stezka k dětem (Book Trail to Children Association) and a publisher. It was only in 2022 that this idea could be realised thanks to the support of the EEA Funds.
The mission of the Centrum české dětské knihy (Czech Children's Book Centre) is to support children's reading, literacy and artistic activities. The activities of the CČDK include art workshops for children, discussions with authors, book launches, exhibitions, as well as evenings for adults interested in literature for children and youth. The CČDK has a library with a representative collection of Czech books for children and youth. Other Czech publishers publishing quality titles for children are also involved in the activities of the CČDK and can rent the space for free for their events.
CČDK is a project of the association Knižní stezka k dětem (Book Path to Children), which has been trying to promote children's reading for decades, publishes a unique teaching methodology called Čtenářské lekce (Reading Lessons) and this year is the 14th year of the literary festival "Children, Do You Read?
The auspices of the Centrum české dětské knihy (Czech Children's Book Centre) were taken over by the Minister of Culture Mgr. Martin Baxa.