Challenges for community libraries and solutions for authorities
Libraries across the country have become much more attractive to the community thanks to modern technology, librarians say. However, according to them, old books prevail on library shelves, as modest investments don't allow the purchase of new titles and volumes requested by readers. The Ministry of Culture says it is working to meet these challenges by increasing the budget for cultural activities, diversifying them and providing ongoing training for librarians.
With the development of new technologies, the country's libraries have become more attractive, which is an advantage, Nelea Volcov, director of the Cantemir District Public Library, told Radio Moldova. She said that the library has enough space and is equipped with modern equipment, but too few resources are allocated for the purchase of new books, which is one of the most pressing problems.
"With all the modern technologies, the library is now seen so well in society, because we have an advantage of having all these technologies right in the library and we can help the community. We are equipped with space, with computers, but now the financial investment for new book purchases is a problem. Also the demographic crisis. We have readers, we are willing to welcome them with an open heart and help them with any little problem they have."
Difficulties with financial resources for library work, adding new human resources and updating book holdings are some of the main challenges for community libraries, says secretary of state at the Ministry of Culture Andrei Chistol. He told our radio station in an interview that the ministry is implementing a set of measures aimed at solving these problems. The official said that this year the budget for cultural activities in libraries and the fund for the purchase of new books will be increased.
"Every week we do different training sessions to help librarians to increase and develop their activities with the involvement of local communities. The Ministry of Culture is planning to strengthen and increase the budget dedicated to the cultural actions we organise with public libraries. We are also working to increase the budget for book publishing projects and to ensure a lively addition to the book fund. In the coming weeks we will also come up with a new regulation for funding cultural magazines."
At present, there are more than 1,300 registered territorial public libraries in our country. In this context, we note that today librarians across the country are celebrating their professional day. In the Republic of Moldova, the Librarian's Day has been celebrated on April 23 since 2010, previously it was celebrated in October. At the same time, today is marked World Book and Copyright Day. Book exhibitions, public readings and other events are organised all over the world to encourage and promote reading.
