Book events spark interest as libraries get budget boost
Moldova's Ministry of Culture is rolling out new initiatives to bolster the book industry and rekindle a passion for reading across the country.
A central pillar of their efforts is the development of a comprehensive program spanning 2024-2030, specifically dedicated to revitalising the book industry and public reading habits.
Beyond program development, the ministry plans to implement and financially support new reading promotion programs. Cultural institution managers across Moldova have lauded such initiatives, citing their importance and appeal to readers.
This year's agenda features exciting developments, including the launch of fresh reading promotion programs, a significant budget increase for library book acquisitions, and state funding for literary magazines and translations. Notably, the upcoming program for book industry and public reading development, encompassing the period 2024-2030, is a key priority, as emphasised by Ministry of Culture representatives in a recent Radio Moldova interview.
Positive signs emerged in 2023 with an increased national book publishing program budget. This program allocates five million lei for roughly 80 book titles, each printed in 300 copies. Consequently, over 24,000 library materials reach public libraries nationwide annually.
Furthermore, three impactful national programs - Cartea Deschisă (The Open Book), Lectura Central (Central Reading), and Să citim împreună (Let's Read Together) - fueled book and reading promotion last year. Thanks to these efforts, over 10,000 young people and children participated in author meet-and-greets from Moldova and Romania, alongside engaging in various reading activities.
Maria Mîtcu, head of the Milești village library in Nisporeni district, highlighted the enthusiastic response to reading-focused activities in her community, with both children and adults expressing keen interest. Ms. Mîtcu noted that Romanian-language books are the most frequently borrowed, prompting them to purchase 240 new titles in that language.
"Throughout the year, we hosted Lectura Central activities, Izvoarele Înțelepciunii (The Springs of Wisdom) events, organised 'The Most Active Reader' competition, and celebrated the Days of the Right to Know and Să citim împreună. We're gearing up for the Day of Culture and will hold an 'Eminescu: The Light of Our Boundlessness' event on Monday. There's significant interest in these activities, with entire classes attending, along with mature readers and retirees. Children gravitate more towards Romanian books, while those in Russian remain largely untouched. We procured 288 items, including 240 book titles, and additionally receive up to 100 books annually from the National Library," Ms. Mîtcu commented in a Radio Moldova interview.
Mariana Harjevschi, director of the Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu Municipal Library, echoed the popularity of reading contests among children and even young adults. She emphasised the crucial role of reading clubs and stressed the importance of prioritising their organisation throughout the country.
"We shouldn't underestimate the value of reading clubs and author meet-and-greets, not to mention the crucial role of library-reader dialogue. We witness strong reader engagement whenever the library launches reading contests, with participants vying for the titles of 'most active,' 'most proactive,' and 'most involved reader' in the library," Ms. Harjevschi remarked.
Moldova boasts around 1,300 public libraries, staffed by approximately 2,900 dedicated individuals. The Ministry of Culture's renewed focus on promoting reading and the book industry signals a promising endeavour in fostering a more book-loving nation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
