On June 14, the IREX/Novateca Program, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, and the National Public Library for Children “Ion Creanga”, launched the national awareness raising campaign “It’s my library!” The campaign will promote all of the changes and innovations in Moldovan public libraries over the last six years, encapsulated in the recently adopted law, and spur further interest and support from communities.

To familiarize the public with the provisions of the new law and support its role in advancing continued development of public libraries across Moldova, the launch event featured the premier of Novateca’s latest PSA, and hosted a lively discussion panel with key library actors and partners, who stressed the imperative need for future collaboration between all key actors in order to ensure inclusive, modern services and trainings for communities.

Underscoring the significant transformations that libraries have ventured in over the last few years, the Minister of Education, Culture and Research, Monica Babuc mentioned: “Moldovan public libraries have experienced a substantial change over the last 6 years, with 1070 libraries being renovated in an exemplary manner and equipped with modern technologies such as tablets, computers, robotics kits and many more. Our objective to transform libraries into multifunctional centers that serve community needs has therefore become a reality.”

Also during the event, media outlets and participants witnessed in real time how many opportunities a library can offer, joining makerspace activities such as robotics and vinyl cutter demonstrations, coding lessons, English language classes, and activities for children with hearing impairment.

The campaign will run until November 2018 and will engage public libraries, local public authorities and partners from all over the country to promote the multitude of opportunities they offer, and generate supporters that will continue the advocacy efforts for modern libraries in Moldova.