Barvič & Novotný book store on Česká street will be closed for an extensive reconstruction from July 1 to August 12. Photo: Barvič & Novotný
“There is no friend as loyal as a book,” wrote Ernest Hemingway. A personal library says a lot about a person. Even in our days, many of us likes to stop at bookstores and search for new pieces to add to their home libraries.
134 years ago Josef Barvič opened the first Czech bookstore in Brno. At the time, German language was prevailing in the book market as well as in the streets. 13 years after, Mr Barvič hired a new, young apprentice – Mr Novotný. In 1909, Novotný became a co-owner of the shop and Barvič & Novotný brand was founded.
Currently, Barvič & Novotný belongs to Kanzelsberger chain that runs two bookstores in Brno. One of them, at Česká 13, will be reconstructed.
The shops sell books as well as printed music sheets, CDs, and vinyls. “There is a pretty good selection of English books, definitely the best one in the Brno. Some staff speak English and everyone is very helpful,” says one of shop’s visitors from United States.
The last reconstruction in 1996 by architect František Durda combined needs of a modern book store with traditional elements (eg. old-style shop windows, dark wood furniture) and extended the space to the 3rd floor.
782 m 2 store on Česká will get new wooden floors and a complete replacement of lightning. On the second floor in the music department, there will be a couch for taking a chill pill listening to and talking about music.
Furthermore, the store will open its café, for us to enjoy two distinct yet satisfying smells of old books and fresh coffee.
At the time of the reconstruction, you can visit the second shop at Masarykova 26.
