Regional Library Petko R. Slaveykov

Library professionals from the P. R. Slaveykov Regional Library conducted a professional working visit to Reykjavík, Iceland.

During the visit, they toured Veröld – House of Vigdís – a cultural center and institute dedicated to languages and culture, as well as the National and University Library of Iceland and the Grofin City Library, Reykjavik.

Dear Readers,

In connection with the upcoming holidays, we would like to inform you that on April 9, 2026, the library will be open to the public with holiday hours:

Main Building (2 Ivanka Boteva St.) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
BIC "Slaveiche" (7 Simeon Veliki St.), "Buzludzha" Branch (8 Denyu Chokanov St.), and the "Art" Department (8 Krakov St.) – from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
On April 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2026, the library will be closed to the public.
Please visit us again on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
The team at the "Petko R. Slaveykov" Regional Library wishes you a Happy Easter!

На 1-2 април 2026 г. в с. Чифлик, община Троян, се проведе годишна работна среща на краеведско обединение „Мизия”. Домакин на ежегодната проява бе Регионална библиотека „Проф. Беню Цонев“ – Ловеч.

В срещата участваха представители на краеведския и IT отдела на РБ „П. Р. Славейков” – В. Търново, както и библиотечни специалисти от краеведските отдели на РБ „Априлов-Палаузов” – Габрово, РБ „Христо Смирненски” – Плевен и РБ „Проф. Б. Цонев” – Ловеч.

A team of four people, including the director of the P.R. Slaveykov Regional Library, Veliko Tarnovo, Mariana Burova, spent three days, from March 3 to 6, immersing themselves in the heart of Budapest, among some of Hungary’s most impressive literary temples—the Hungarian Parliament Library, the “Ervin Szabó” Metropolitan Library, and the “Széchenyi” National Library. The visit was made possible thanks to “Erasmus+,” the “Educational Mobility” program, project 2025-1-BG01-KA121-ADU-000334042.

On January 23, 2026, the beautiful Portuguese city of Braga hosted the third international partner meeting of the G-BOOK 3 project: "Activities to engage the public in the social and emotional education of EU teenagers through positive gender literature and digital technologies."

On February 10, 2026, a Digital Club was opened at the Slaveiche Library and Information Center of the Petko R. Slaveikov Regional Library as part of the project "The Regional Library – a Partner in the Information Age" under Contract No. BG-RRP-1.024-0737-C01, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Procedure BG-RRP-1.024.

The services offered within the new digital space are completely free of charge. The club will provide opportunities for training, sharing experience, and working with modern technologies, and is open to people of all ages and social groups. Visitors will have access to free internet connectivity, online educational resources and training, electronic services, and digital content.

After the opening, the first training seminar of the year on "Regional Activities" was held in the Digital Club hall, organized by the Regional Library. During the seminar, a number of important topics were discussed, prepared by colleagues-lecturers in various fields. Milena Krasteva introduced the audience to the topic "Libraries as responsible administrators of personal data." Venera Ignatova presented her expertise on the implementation and application of various monetary reforms over the years in the deduction of literature. Ivan Blazhev drew attention to the most important elements of working with electronic signatures, and Martina Yankova-Radolova presented the application of the web-based graphic design platform Canva and Momchil Shivachev recalled special moments and practices in serving readers through the specialized Interlibrary Loan service. Kaloyan Zdravkov sparked interest with the topic of the specifics of working with the Information System for Management and Monitoring of EU Funds in Bulgaria (ISUN).

The deputy director of the P. R. Slaveykov Regional Library, Ivan Alexandrov, visited the Lucio Craveiro da Silva Library in Braga, Portugal, under the Erasmus+ program from January 22 to 25, 2026.

Winners of the fifth edition of the crime story competition "The (Un)solved Case"

1st place – "Company Car" /Yasen Kalaydzhiev: Haskovo/

2nd place – "Victim of the Horse" /Sava Vasilev: Veliko Tarnovo/

3rd place – "Cell 12" /Iliyana Koleva: Sofia/

3rd place – "Invisible Mars" /Viktoria Baramova: Varna/

3rd place – "The One Who Whispers" /Nikola Nikov: Sofia/

Special Jury Prize – "Call Back" /Miroslav Georgiev: Gorna Oryahovitsa/

Special Encouragement Prize – "The Sound of Hate" /Nadezhda Todorova – Nadika: Veliko Tarnovo/

Encouragement Award – "Passenger Without a Ticket" /Ivanina Dermonska: Sofia/

Encouragement Award for the youngest participant in this edition – "Whisper from the Past" /Valentina Tsvetanova: Montana/

For another year in 2025, the Regional Library won a project under the Ministry of Culture's "Bulgarian Libraries - Modern Centers for Reading and Information" program. The goal is for public libraries in Bulgaria to receive targeted funding to renew their collections.

The Nikolay Pavlovich Art Gallery presented an anniversary collection of selected works by cartoonist and satirist Petar Borsukov – Bor

on the occasion of the 163rd anniversary of Aleko Konstantinov's birth. The event continued with the opening of a retrospective exhibition entitled "90 Years Since the Birth of Petar Borsukov," prepared by the Petko R. Slaveykov Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo. The editor-in-chief of the Sturshel newspaper, Mihail Veshim, and the deputy director of the library, Ivan Alexandrov, highlighted Borsukov's multifaceted talent and the connection between his work and the satirical spirit of Aleko Konstantinov. The exhibition presents the author's development over the years and his satirical view of society.

Photo: BTA

On January 6, 2026, a representative of the Department for Secondary School Students and Adult Readers "Snezhana Yaneva" at the Petko R. Slaveykov Regional Library visited the Nauka-1900 Community Center in the village of Maryan (Elena municipality) to deliver books donated by readers of the Veliko Tarnovo library.

Dear readers,

In connection with the Christmas and New Year holidays, we would like to inform you of the changes in working hours:
Working days with readers

December 22, 23, 29, and 30

The central building and all branches will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

At the end of November, library specialists from the Petko R. Slaveykov Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo visited the City Library in Zadar, Croatia, as part of the Erasmus+ program. The main purpose of the visit was to learn about the organization and activities of the public library in Zadar, exchange professional experience, compare good practices, and generate ideas for future initiatives to be implemented in the work of the Veliko Tarnovo library.

The group represented various departments of the institution – an IT department employee with experience in project design and implementation, a librarian from the Service Department, a representative of the "Snezhana Yaneva" Department for Secondary School Students and Adult Readers, and a specialist from the Collections, Processing, and Cataloguing Department. As a result of the exchange, valuable professional contacts were established with the prospect of future participation in the National Scientific Conference "Libraries – Reading – Communications."

Day One: Presentation of the library's structure and services

On the first day of the visit, the guests were welcomed by Mladen Masar, PR of the City Library in Zadar, who coordinated the meetings. The tour started at the Lending Library, where historical facts about the institution, the central building, the branches, and the shared spaces were presented.

The library specialists were introduced to the collections, reading rooms, Youth Center, and reader service program. The reader card, whose design has not changed for more than 26 years, aroused interest. Two self-service machines were also demonstrated.

The well-organized courtyard space with places for relaxation, the digital billboard with information about upcoming events, and the bicycle areas, which meet the needs of the city's numerous cyclists, made a big impression. The library's restaurant, which has a stage and is often used for outdoor events, also attracted attention.

In the Collections, Processing, and Cataloging Department, guests learned about the processes of acquiring, processing, and displaying literature. The library is not a depository library, but builds its collection through purchases.

Specialized departments and innovations

The delegation visited the Children's Department, one of the most visited areas, as well as the Music Department, which is one of the library's distinctive features. Its rich collection of records, films, CDs, and the opportunity to create and perform music left a strong impression.

The guests also visited the American Center – a cozy space with themed areas, a corner for electronic games with a console, 3D printers, literature, comics, and manga. Reading rooms were also shown, including the rooms where a rich collection of comics in Croatian and English is stored.

The storage rooms demonstrated the principle of seasonal display of books on loan, which allows current literature to reach readers quickly. Readers have the opportunity to read periodicals in the outdoor area of the library.

In the IT department, the specialists saw the server equipment and learned about its importance for the work of all branches.

Mobile libraries

The team from Veliko Tarnovo was introduced to the two mobile libraries – the "bookmobile" and the "book van" – which serve areas within a radius of up to 105 km. They have a collection and equipment for registering readers and providing services on site. Librarians regularly visit schools, kindergartens, and various public events.

The Two Palaces Branch

On the first day, we visited a branch in the old town, located in the "Two Palaces" building. After renovation and reinforcement due to war damage, the building has been transformed into a dynamic cultural center that houses exhibitions, art installations, a reading room, and a corner for activities with children and adults.

Day two: Visit to architectural landmarks

The second day of the visit coincided with the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Homeland War, as well as the victims of Vukovar and Škabarja – a public holiday in Croatia. The delegation spent the day exploring the architectural and historical landmarks of Zadar, a recognized cultural center of Dalmatia.

Day 3: Presentations and final meetings

The final day was spent in the conference hall of the central building, where the hosts presented the history of the library, the cultural calendar, statistical data on readers, and the library items distributed. The hall is used for a wide range of events and can be rented upon request.

The guests from Bulgaria presented gifts – books in Bulgarian, an English edition of Aleko Konstantinov, a painting, and souvenirs to promote Bulgarian culture.

Finally, the team from Veliko Tarnovo visited the exhibition "Let There Be Drums" by the famous Zadar photographer Stipe Surac, located in the Youth Department.

On November 14, 2025, on the occasion of the XXIV National Scientific Conference with international participation "Libraries - Reading - Communications" on the topic "Preservation, Protection, Digitization, and Promotion of Movable Cultural Heritage," library specialists from seven countries were welcomed by the mayor of Veliko Tarnovo, Dr. Eng. Daniel Panov.

During the meeting, key issues related to the development of library services, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the role of libraries as modern centers of knowledge and communication were discussed.

During the event, Assoc. Prof. Kalina Ivanova was awarded a certificate for her overall contribution to the development of librarianship in Veliko Tarnovo and the region – recognition for her long-standing dedication, professionalism, and contribution to establishing libraries as important cultural and educational institutions.

After the meeting, everyone visited the Graga Bair area, where library specialists from Asti, Zuglo, Krakow, Iasi, and Nis, as well as from Strumica and Focsani, planted trees. The autumn reforestation of Graga Bair is only the first stage of initiatives to restore the forest fund in the entire green belt around Veliko Tarnovo, together with the Arbanashko Plateau, Momina Krepost Hill and others, where dried and diseased pine trees are being removed.

Library specialists from the Petko R. Slaveykov Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo took part in an Erasmus+ programme project and visited the Mihai Eminescu Central University Library in Iasi, Romania. During their visit, the librarians exchanged good practices in the library sector, acquired new skills and competences with a view to applying innovative techniques for providing library services in their own libraries.

On October 9 and 10, 2025, in the town of Dryanovo, an anniversary working meeting of the Mizia Local History Association was held, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of its establishment. The event was hosted by the Aprilov-Palauzov Regional Library in Gabrovo. Among the guests were Assoc. Prof. Kalina Ivanova, Director of the St. St. Among the guests were Assoc. Prof. Kalina Ivanova, Director of the National Library "St. St. Cyril and Methodius," Assoc. Prof. Alexander Kovachev, lecturer at the Technical University "St. St. Cyril and Methodius," and the directors of the four libraries.

The book includes 100 articles about little-known personalities, events, and interesting facts, illustrated with photographs. The book includes 100 articles about little-known personalities, events, and interesting facts, illustrated with photographs.

New publications, developed projects, and exhibitions were also presented.

Librarians from the Reference, Bibliography, and Local History Department of the P. R. Slaveykov Regional Library introduced attendees to the bio-bibliographical publication prepared for the 70th anniversary of Prof. Ivanka Yankova. A retrospective exhibition dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the birth of Petar Borsukov, cartoonist, artist, and journalist, was also presented in digital form, along with the work of the department on the project "Technological Renewal and Innovative Practices for Promoting Reading and Media Literacy."

New ideas were shared for better professional solutions, better coordination and development of joint projects, ideas for future editions that would strengthen the connection between libraries and enrich the local history practice of the Mizia Association.

From September 17 to 21, 2025, four representatives of the Petko R. Slaveykov Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo participated in a mobility program under the Erasmus+ Program, accredited project No. 2025-1-BG01 -KA121-ADU-000334042 (job shadowing) at the Blagoy Yankov – Mucheto Library, Strumica, Republic of North Macedonia.

The mobility included:

participation in an international scientific conference "Exchange of Ideas for Good Practices";
presentation of two professional reports;
observation of work processes (job shadowing);
professional exchange with library specialists and representatives of academic institutions;
participation in meetings to discuss opportunities for future cooperation.

The reports presented were:

1. "Lobby of the Autographed Book" – a sustainable library practice at the P. R. Slaveykov Regional Library – Veliko Tarnovo;
2. "Digitization and good practices at the P. R. Slaveykov Regional Library – Veliko Tarnovo."

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

 Лятно работно време на РБ „П. Р. Славейков“ – Велико Търново (1–31 август 2025 г.) Екипът на Регионална библиотека „П. Р. Славейков“ ви пожелава весело лято! 

 Централната сграда (ул. Иванка Ботева 2) няма да работи с читатели в периода 1–31 август 2025 г. поради профилактика.

Екип на Народна библиотека "П. Р. Славейков" е на посещение в Регионална библиотека "Христо Ботев" град Враца. Домакините демонстрираха своите добри практики при работа с различни читателски групи, представиха интересни и оригинални активности, част от богатата им културна програма.

По случай 840 години от въстанието на Асеневци и обявяването на Търновград за столица, Община Велико Търново, съвместно със Съюза на българските писатели и Регионална библиотека „Петко Р. Славейков“, обявява национален конкурс за непубликувани произведения в жанровете проза, поезия и есеистика.
Краен срок за изпращане на творбите: 24 октомври 2025 г.

Регионална библиотека получи дарение от издателство "ТОТ" - гр. София. Очаквайте гостуване на екипа на издателството през есента.

Издателство ТОТ е създадено от ученици в Школата на Единното учение с цел да разпространява езотерична мъдрост и да подпомага духовното пробуждане на човешката душа. То служи като инструмент на Словото и на Единното учение, стремящо се да събере цялостната картина на духовната истина.

Библиотечни специалисти от РБ „П. Р. Славейков” – В. Търново се включиха в проект по програма „Еразъм+” и посетиха Регионалната библиотека “ Wojewódzkiej Biblioteki Publicznej im. Hieronima Łopacińskiego ” – гр. Люблин, Полша.

Библиотечните специалисти, с опит основно в сферата на дигитализацията, дейностите в IT сферата – хардуер, софтуер, мрежови и интернет технологии, както и такива с опит в участието при изготвянето и реализирането на различни проекти, се запознаха освен с Публичната библиотека Hieronima Łopacińskiego, гр.Люблин, Полша, също така и със следните други градски библиотеки на територията на Люблинското воеводство /област/: Презентации със съпътстващи турове бяха реализирани в градските библиотеки на градовете Jeziorzany, Serokomla, Adamów, Bychawa, Puławy и Kazimierz Dolny. От групата бяха осъществени срещи и в библиотеката към Католическия Университет „Папа Йоан Павел II“ в гр.Люблин, Центъра за научно-техническа информация към Люблинския Технологически Университет, както и посещение на музея Zamoyski в град Kozłówka. В знак на съпричастност към жертвите на Холокоста през Втората Световна война, беше посетен и концентрационния лагер Majdanek в покрайнините на град Люблин.

По време на визитата си библиотекарите обмениха добри практики в библиотечната сфера, дигитализацията и IT технологиите, придобиха нови умения и компетентности с цел прилагане на иновативни техники за предоставяне на библиотечни услуги на своите читатели и ползватели.

По време на работните срещи библиотекарите от РБ „П. Р. Славейков” представиха дейността на търновската библиотека на полските си колеги. Изградиха се лични и професионални контакти, както и възможности за бъдещо съвместно участие в международни проекти и конференции.

От 8 до 15 май 2025г. Българската библиотечно-информационна асоциация (ББИА) ще проведе XIX Национална библиотечна седмица под надслов „Библиотеката – мисия възможна“ и ще премине с поредица от разнообразни събития в цялата страна. Кампанията се организира в партньорство с Фондация „Глобални библиотеки – България“ (ФГББ). Медийни партньори на кампанията са БНТ, БНР, БТА и онлайн медиите „Аз чета“ и „Детски книги“.

HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS

Opening hours for April 17:

RL "P. R. Slaveykov" - Veliko Tarnovo

Central Building (2 Ivanka Boteva Street) -

from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

BIC Slaveyche (7 S. Veliki Street)

Buzludzha Branch (8 D. Chokanov Street)

Art Department (8 Krakov Street)

from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.