site.btaNational Library, Much Like Bulgarian History, Is Marked by Wise People, Significant Events - Library Director

The Sts Cyril and Methodius National Library, much like Bulgarian history itself, is marked by wise people and significant events, the library's director, Kalina Ivanova, said on Monday.

On May 11, the feast day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the National Library celebrated its patronal feast day and the professional holiday of library and information specialists with a ceremony.

“Continue to follow the path of our founding fathers so that the word and knowledge may endure,” Ivanova said. She added that the ceremony also marked the beginning of National Library Week, an initiative involving libraries across the country and organized primarily by the Bulgarian Library and Information Association. This year’s theme is One Mission, Many Voices: Libraries Unite.

In a congratulatory message, Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said: "This bright day is a symbol of reverence for the work of Saints Cyril and Methodius, and for the word and knowledge." 

Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev sent a wreath, which was laid at the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius.

The National Library also received congratulatory messages from the Bulgarian News Agency and the National Music Theatre.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of annual awards recognizing contributions to the country’s oldest post-Liberation institution and largest public library. This year, the National Library's directors council unanimously decided to honour prominent figures in Bulgarian culture and education for their role in restoring the Library’s scientific status through changes to the Public Libraries Act.

Kalina Ivanova presented awards to Stoyan Denchev, Toshko Yordanov, Ashot Kazaryan, Rayna Nikolova, Rositsa Kirova, Iskra Mihaylova, Kostadin Angelov, Tereza Treneva, Raya Nazaryan, and Nikoleta Kuzmanova.