knihovna

Knihovna is the Czech term for a library—an institution that collects, preserves, and provides access to information resources. A knihovna typically houses books, periodicals, maps, audio-visual materials, and increasingly digital resources, and it offers services such as lending, reference assistance, reading rooms, and access to databases and online catalogs. The term derives from the Czech word kniha (book) with the suffix -ovna, reflecting a long-standing cultural emphasis on organized collections of written works.

Libraries vary by function and scope. Public libraries serve local communities and offer general collections, programs for children and adults, and access to digital services. University and research libraries curate scholarly resources, support study and research, and maintain special collections. National libraries preserve a country's documentary heritage and often oversee national bibliographies. There are also specialized libraries focusing on fields such as medicine, law, or business, and school libraries serving educational institutions.

In the Czech Republic, major institutions include the Národní knihovna České republiky (National Library of the Czech Republic) in Prague, which coordinates national bibliographic activities and preserves core collections; the Moravská zemská knihovna in Brno; and historic libraries such as the Klementinum complex in Prague. The library sector has undergone digitization, expanding access through online catalogs, digital collections, and interlibrary loan networks, supporting education, research, and culture.