It’s rare these days to see a line stretching outside a public library. Yet in Prague’s historic center, it has become an everyday sight. Visitors are not lining up for books but to experience Slovak artist Matej Krén’s famous installation, Idiom, also known as The Column of Knowledge. The artwork is a tower made of around 8,000 books, topped with mirrors that create an infinite visual effect, drawing in tourists from around the world.

Located in the foyer of Prague’s Municipal Library since 1998, the sculpture has gained massive attention in recent years, largely due to social media. On busy days, visitors can wait up to an hour to look inside the mirrored structure. While the installation has become a major attraction, the growing crowds have created challenges for regular library users.

For students and patrons using the library’s 220 study spaces, the long queues have often caused frustration. During peak tourist seasons, thousands of visitors crowd the lobby, sometimes blocking entrances and disrupting access for cardholders. Staff members are frequently required to manage the situation and maintain order.

To address this issue, library spokeswoman Lenka Hanzlíková announced in a New Year’s press briefing that a dedicated area for tourists will be created inside the building. This solution aims to improve the visitor experience while ensuring that the library remains comfortable and functional for those who come to read and study.

Since late 2025, the Municipal Library has also introduced extended unstaffed hours on Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., helping to distribute visitor traffic more evenly across the week. The library has launched a microsite focused on the sculpture and encourages tourists who mainly want photographs to visit after 6 p.m., when crowds are smaller and the lighting enhances the visual effect.

Looking ahead, the biggest change will be a redesign of the library foyer. Instead of using barriers and restricted access, the library plans to provide indoor seating and refreshments for visitors waiting in line. This hospitality-focused approach contrasts with other European cities that have introduced strict measures to control overtourism.

By choosing accommodation over restriction, Prague’s Municipal Library is emerging as a model for how public institutions can adapt to viral tourism while preserving their original purpose as spaces for learning, culture, and community.