On Tuesday, December 3, 2013, IREX’s Novateca program, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the National Library, the Moldovan Library Association, and the Moldovan library community, organized the first “Library Innovations Fair” to showcase and discuss the most innovative services and practices in libraries across Moldova.

The event provided entertainment and learning opportunities for all participants, from a caricaturist drawing funny faces to stiltwalkers and an innovative robot from the Drochia local public authorities. During the event, Moldovan libraries presented their newest and most innovative initiatives that go beyond books and periodicals. Featured services in the areas of e-government, business, education, entertainment, and digital inclusion, underscored the libraries’ readiness to offer services focused on community needs. In addition to the library exhibitions, the fair included master classes, discussion sessions, and a raffle sponsored by Novateca’s national business partners and library supporters.

To recognize the merits of librarians and LPA for hard work their communities, Novateca presented special awards to exceptional librarians and local official who demonstrated extraordinary commitment to improving their libraries and communities.

Over 15 representatives from the private sector and civil society organizations also attended the fair with exhibitions to share with the Moldovan library network services, projects, products and content that could be promoted and enhanced through public libraries. The fair was a great opportunity for libraries to identify and form new partnerships with these organizations to benefit Moldovan communities.