Regional Library Petko R. Slaveykov

Veliko Tarnovo

Past Events

The library enables lecturers, authors, schools and other organizations active in the field of culture and education to use the reading rooms to give lectures, organize meetings, present new publications, etc. If you too are looking for a spacious, technologically equipped and comfortable venue for your event, you can contact us.

An official visit by the Ambassador of Montenegro took place in Veliko Tarnovo in connection with the dedication of a new street named “Peter II Petrović-Njegoš”—in honor of the distinguished Montenegrin ruler, clergyman, and poet. The event was accompanied by a presentation of his literary and philosophical works, as well as the opening of an exhibition provided by the Embassy of Montenegro.

Read more …

The “P. R. Slaveykov” Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo had the honor of welcoming one of the most significant figures in contemporary Bulgarian and European opera—Maestro Plamen Kartalov.

Read more …

On June 12, 2026, a training session under the “Internet for All” program was held at the Digital Center of the “Slaveyche” Library and Information Center, part of the “P. R. Slaveykov” Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo, which generated tremendous interest among the public.

The training is part of the national campaign “Internet for All—Digital Skills for Adults,” implemented by A1 and the “Global Libraries—Bulgaria” Foundation as part of a project to develop digital connectivity and digital inclusion in Northern Bulgaria, co-funded by the European Union under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. In 2026, the program is being implemented in the North Central and Northwest regions and is aimed at people over 55 who wish to improve their digital skills.

Read more …

On June 11, 2026, in the reading room of the “P. R. Slaveykov” Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo, a discussion was held with Prof. Petko St. Petkov, Ph.D., and Assoc. Prof. Atanas Shopov, Ph.D., on the occasion of the presentation of the new book “The April Uprising 1876–2026: 150 Years Since the Bulgarian Uprising of 1876.” The event was opened by Dr. Ivan Alexandrov, deputy director of the P. R. Slaveykov Regional Library.

The event brought together historians, public figures, educators, library professionals, and citizens interested in Bulgarian history and the national liberation struggles. The authors presented the main themes of the publication, dedicated to one of the most significant and fateful chapters in Bulgarian history—the April Uprising of 1876.

During the meeting, Prof. Petko Petkov and Assoc. Prof. Atanas Shopov spoke about the concept and preparation of the book, as well as the significance of the upcoming 150th anniversary of the uprising in 2026. The publication examines the events of the spring of 1876 within a broad historical context, presenting both the course of the uprising and its impact on Bulgarian society, as well as the international response that led to a change in the fate of the Bulgarian people.

During the discussion, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and exchange views with the authors on topics related to historical memory, the preservation of national heritage, and the place of the April Uprising in contemporary historical scholarship.

With the presentation of this book, the P. R. Slaveykov Regional Library continues its mission to serve as a venue for meetings with leading scholars, researchers, and artists, while fostering interest in Bulgarian history and cultural memory.

After the event, guests had the opportunity to get autographs from the authors and take a closer look at the new book, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising and published by “Bulgarian Bestseller.”

Read more …

For the tenth consecutive year, the “P. R. Slaveykov” Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo kicked off its beloved summer campaign to promote reading, “Come to the Library with Friends”!

The initiative was announced, as is tradition, by Ventsislav Spirdonov, Chair of the Veliko Tarnovo Municipal Council, and will run through September 15, 2026, once again challenging students to immerse themselves in the world of books, knowledge, and imagination.

Read more …

On May 28, in the reading room of the P. R. Slaveykov Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo, Prof. Ivan Stankov’s latest book, titled *Life Is Nearby: Four Apocrypha About Nikola Novi of Sofia*, was presented. The book was published by Hermes Publishing House, which is why the moderators of this latest meeting with the Veliko Tarnovo audience were the publisher’s owner, Mr. Stoyo Vartolomeev, and the well-known journalist, poet, and public figure Sasha Alexandrova.

Read more …

On May 21, 2026, the Petko R. Slaveykov Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo hosted the international literary event “DEPARTURE / RETURN: Cyprus in and Beyond the Sea,” part of the official cultural program marking Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.

The event brought together literature enthusiasts, the academic community, and guests, united by the idea of cultural dialogue and a shared European spiritual space. The focus was on contemporary Cypriot poetry as an expression of identity, memory, and connectedness beyond geographical borders.

Read more …

Today marked the opening of the documentary exhibition “For the Freedom of a People,” dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising — part of the national celebrations of this significant anniversary. The exhibition is held under the patronage of Iliana Yotova, President of the Republic of Bulgaria. The event is co-organized by the Regional History Museum in Veliko Tarnovo, and the date, May 18, coincides with International Museum Day.

Read more …

On May 13, a discussion event featuring artists from Veliko Tarnovo brought together lovers of the written word, authors, and cultural figures in an inspiring atmosphere. The special guest at the event was Yuliy Yordanov—a writer, journalist, and literary critic—who shared his observations on the contemporary literary scene, the role of criticism, and the place of the artist today.

Read more …

On May 12, 2026, the final round of the Second Inter-School Geography Quiz “The Traveling Classroom” took place in the main reading room of the “Petko R. Slaveykov” Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo.

Following three preliminary rounds (held at schools in Veliko Tarnovo: “Vela Blagoeva” Secondary School, “Dr. Vasil Beron” Vocational High School of Tourism, and “Angel Popov” Vocational High School of Construction, Architecture, and Geodesy), three teams were selected to participate in the final round of the geography quiz.

The young contestants faced 30 geography questions organized into three categories: “World,” “Bulgaria,” and “Veliko Tarnovo Region.”

Read more …

Recommended Books

On the tracks of history in Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Lovech and Pleven

  • Author: Съставители: РБ "П. Р. Славейков", РБ "Априлов-Палаузов", РБ "Проф. Беню Цонев", РБ "Христо Смирненски"
  • Language: български
  • Publisher: Народна библиотека "П. Р. Славейков"
  • ISBN: 9786197173598
  • Year of publication: 2025
  • Cover: мека
  • Pages: 328

Personalities, events, and interesting facts

The publication "On the Tracks of History from Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Lovech, and Pleven. Personalities, events, and interesting facts" is being released on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the "Mizia" local history association. The book is an attempt to bring together in one place what cannot be captured in dry dates and historical facts – the spirit of the place, the power of tradition, the memory of the people.

The Mizia Association includes the local history departments of the Petko R. Slaveykov Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo, the Aprilov-Palauzov Regional Library in Gabrovo, the Prof. Benyu Tsonev Regional Library in Lovech, and the Hristo Smirnenski Regional Library in Pleven.

"On the Tracks of History from Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Lovech, and Pleven. Personalities, Events, and Interesting Facts" is the result of the joint work of librarians from the above-mentioned libraries.

The main idea of the proposed edition is to cover and present to the reader a wide range of personalities, events, and facts related to the past and history of the cities of Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Lovech, Pleven, and their regions. These settlements are not just streets, buildings, and events from the pages of printed works, but the living memory of people—their dreams, labor, suffering, celebrations, and heritage.

The book covers one hundred materials, twenty-five texts presented by each library. The individual publications do not claim to be scientific, but rather have a journalistic character. The published expositions confront the compilers with already completed research, highlighted events, and characterized personalities. However, such a local history publication, arranged in this way and bringing together the past of these settlements, has not been available on the book market until now. Its very printing and publication in this format and with this content reveals family ties, a rise in literacy, education, and social activity, as well as historical and cultural parallels between Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Lovech, and Pleven. The first lady of Bulgarian architecture, Veliko Tarnovo architect Victoria Angelova-Vinara, wins third prize in the competition for the Military Club building in Pleven; the madcap head of Bulgarian aviation Petko Popganchev becomes director of the State Aircraft Factory in Lovech; Gabrovo educator, mathematician, and physicist Acad. the Gabrovo educator, mathematician, and physicist Acad. Ivan Gyuzelev is the father of the talented Veliko Tarnovo composer Bogdana Gyuzeleva-Vulpe; The founder of modern Bulgarian linguistics, Prof. Benyu Tsonev, taught at the Petropavlovska Seminary near Lyaskovets, etc. The publication itself is evidence supporting the participation of these cities and their libraries in the only local history association in the country.

The texts present individual figures from the Bulgarian Renaissance who made a significant contribution to the economic, cultural, and social development of their native region. These were Bulgarians who kept local identities alive in the context of our national culture, historical events, and processes.

It is only natural that this type of literature should include illustrative material to enrich and illustrate the proposed text. The included photo collection is accompanied by annotations and the source from which the photos were selected is indicated.

The local history publication "On the Tracks of History from Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Lovech, and Pleven. Personalities, Events, and Interesting Facts" is aimed at young readers with the aim of encouraging their love for their homeland and native region. It is also useful for all those researchers and local historians who preserve local memories and traditions.

The history of a city is actually the individual stories of the people and families who lived there, the events that took place there, and the first discoveries and processes that have become part of its appearance and memory.

"The Maid"

  • Author: Freida McFadden
  • Language: bulgarian
  • Publisher: Bard
  • ISBN: 9786190302537
  • Year of publication: 2024
  • Cover: soft
  • Pages: 336

A young woman with a dark past...

Milly desperately needs a job. After a long search and numerous rejections, luck finally smiles on her. She is hired as a maid by the wealthy Nina Winchester, who lives in a luxurious house with her husband Andrew and their spoiled and capricious daughter Cecilia.

Read more …

"The Secret of Secrets" - Dan Brown

  • Author: Dan Brown
  • Language: bulgarian
  • Publisher: Bard
  • ISBN: 9786190303770
  • Year of publication: 2025
  • Cover: soft/hard
  • Pages: 608

Series: Robert Langdon

The author of the world's most famous thrillers returns with a stunning new novel—a stimulating, twist-filled, mind-bending masterpiece that will engage readers in a way only Dan Brown can.

Read more …

"Lehusa" - Vasil Popov

  • Author: Vasil Popov
  • Language: bulgarian
  • Publisher: Colibri
  • ISBN: 9786190217374
  • Year of publication: 2025
  • Cover: soft/hard
  • Pages: 516

The mysteries of Bulgarian folklore come to life in monstrous dimensions in the sequel to Mamnik - Lehus.

Read more …

The (Un)Solved Case

  • Author: Authors
  • Language: bulgarian
  • Publisher: Public library "P. R. Slaveykov"
  • ISBN: 0
  • Year of publication: 2025
  • Cover: soft

Ever since the Petko R. Slaveykov Regional Library launched a national competition for writing crime stories under the general title "The (Un)solved Case" in 2021, we have often been asked where, when, and how the submitted works could be read.

Fortunately, since mid-September 2025, we have been able to enjoy a printed book edition. This was made possible thanks to financial support from the Ministry of Culture under the program "Technological renewal, technological equipment, and promotion of reading, media, and information literacy in public libraries." The collection bears the same title, "The (Un)revealed Case," and contains all 23 stories by the participants who won prizes in the four editions of the competition held so far. Although some of the authors have had individual texts published previously, most of them are not professional writers in the true sense of the word. This undoubtedly adds even more significance to their intellectual efforts.

See all recommended books

Annual Competitions

Summer campaign "Come to the library"

The Summer Campaign "Come to the Library" is an initiative, conceptually designed to provoke the students from I to XII grade from Veliko Tarnovo, who are readers of RL "Petko R. Slaveykov" to read more and more books during the summer holidays.

Read more …

"My hometown"

With the longest and most successful implementation is the annual competition "My hometown". Its first edition was in 2000 and has since become a favorite and recognizable for the participants from the city and the region.

Read more …

Foyer of the book with an autograph

Regional Library "Petko R. Slaveykov" - Veliko Tarnovo over the last ten years has established an extremely prestigious cultural event, which is the "Foyer of the book with an autograph". The philosophy of this forum is related to the promotion of Bulgarian printed book production not only in the region, but also nationally.

Read more …

"/Un/solved case"

The National Crime Writing Contest, under the general title of "/The/ Unsolved Case," will launch in 2021. The contest is held over a one- or two-month period, traditionally during the fall season of a given calendar year.

Read more …

Latest News

Служители на Регионална библиотека "П. Р. Славейков" се потопиха в тънкостите на книговезкото изкуство

There is no translation available.

В продължение на два дни през юли Регионална библиотека „П. Р. Славейков“ – Велико Търново се превърна в пространство за среща с един стар, но все така ценен занаят – книговезането и реставрацията на книги.

Служители на библиотеката имаха възможност да се потопят в тънкостите на книговезкото изкуство под ръководството на майстор Веселин Топалов – дългогодишен практикуващ специалист с утвърдени умения в традиционното книговезане и реставрацията на книжен фонд.

В рамките на обучението участниците се запознаха с различни етапи и техники от книговезкия процес – подготовка на книжното тяло, шиене на книговезки стан, работа с книговезки материали, оформяне и укрепване на книжното тяло, изработване и възстановяване на твърди подвързии, както и подходи за работа при различни видове повреди.

Участниците имаха възможност не само да наблюдават демонстрации, но и практически да приложат наученото, като преминат през отделните етапи на възстановителния процес.

Благодарим на майстор Веселин Топалов за споделените знания, умения и любов към книговезкото изкуство!

РБ „П. Р. Славейков“ обменя опит и добри практики с библиотеки и архиви в Нидерландия

There is no translation available.

В периода 04.08-08.08 библиотечните специалисти Анастасия Радева, Диляна Георгиева, Симона Стойкова и Ивелина Митева от РБ "П. Р. Славейков" в рамките на проект по мобилност на програма "Еразъм+" посетиха градовете Ситард-Гелен и Маастрихт в Нидерландия. Домакин на визитата беше г-н Пеер Боселие, архивист на Регионален архив в Ситард-Гелен и партньор в предходни проекти на библиотеката.

Read more …

See all news

Regional Public Library

Petko R. Slaveykov

5000 Veliko Tarnovo

2, Ivanka Boteva

prs@libraryvt.com

Marianka Byrova

Director

+359 62 620208

director@libraryvt.com

Dr. Ivan Aleksandrov

Deputy Director

+359 62 628098

+359 88 8 790 104

prs@libraryvt.com

Branch 'Buzludzha'

8, Denyo Chokanov st.

+359 62 648 803

buzl_dep@libraryvt.com

Main Building

2, Ivanka Boteva st.

+359 62 627 901

zaemna@libraryvt.com

Art Department

8, Krakov st.

+359 62 630 410

art_dep@libraryvt.com

Department for Senior Readers 'Snejana Yaneva'

7, Simeon Veliki st.

+359 62 641 856

slav_dep@libraryvt.com

Branch 'Slaveiche'

7, Simeon Veliki st.

Children's Department

+359 62 641 856

slav_do@libraryvt.com

Foreign Language Centre 'Eagle'

7, Simeon Veliki st.

+359 62 646 916

eagle_dep@libraryvt.com

Sorry, this website uses features that your browser doesn’t support. Upgrade to a newer version of Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Edge and you’ll be all set.