The Municipal Library “B.P. Hasdeu” celebrates the 140th anniversary of its foundation. Now the library has 27 branches that employ over 350 librarians. The traditional and electronic books stock consists of over 1 million volumes. People of culture, writers, editors and readers congratulated the library on the anniversary in an event held on October 19, IPN reports.
The library’s director general Mariana Harjevski said the current situation often generates uncertainty, but they manage to overcome the difficulties together with the team. During 140 years, the library has been a public resource of information open to everyone. “By the way in which we reinvented ourselves and embraced technologies, we became a connection bridge for different generations and a source of inspiration and, surely, of cooperation opportunities. The librarians contributed to increasing the number of intelligent readers eager to read. I’m glad that reading remained a strategic point,” she stated.
She added that the reading programs “Chisinau reads”, “Struggle of books”, ”Open doors”, “Vacation rucksack” and other campaigns to promote reading helped maintain interest in books and diversify the users. About 25% of the inhabitants of Chisinau are readers of “B.P. Hasdeu” Library. Currently, the library provides over 100 services. The National Center of Excellence develops more attractive educational products and services, with the young people continuing to be the target. The digital library was promoted, while the networks of computers, printers and other equipment were extended through the program “Novateca”.
Valeriu Matei, director of the Romanian Cultural Institute “Mihai Eminescu” of Chisinau, said that during 140 years the library contributed to diversifying the cultural life and enriched the national cultural heritage. It distinguished itself as an important cultural institution in the life of Bessarabia and then of the Republic of Moldova, being a center of culture appreciated by the Romanian personalities.
Lucia Caciuc, adviser to the mayor of Chisinau municipality, noted that the library with the longest life manages to always bring together readers. It became popular not only due to its attractive geographic position, but also because of the intensity with which it implements its programs.
President of the Writers Union of Moldova Arcadie Suceveanu said the libraries are a home for the Writers Union. “I think that in our society, which does not show great interest in sensibility, in the joy of the spirit, the book is marginalized, but the role of libraries and librarians is very special,” he stated.
Writer Iulian Filip said he is very happy when he is invited to any branch of the library. He referred to a quotation by Marin Sorescu, which says that “It is not a shame to be born ignorant. It is a shame to die ignorant.”
The Municipal Library of Chisinau was opened on October 19, 1877, when Carol Schmidt served as mayor. Initially, the library had over 8,000 volumes, books and journals that were donated to the city after the Provincial Library was closed through lack of funds.
