Why do Bulgarian Libraries Need Partners?

Bulgarian libraries, as is the country, are recovering from 50 years of communist domination. They are moving from some support from the central communist government to minimal to no support from local governments. Most are managed by professional librarians (there are both undergraduate and graduate library programs in Bulgaria). Most have very small to non-existent book budgets. New books (and good used ones) tend to come from donations from other countries and from a publishers book deposit program that benefits the largest of libraries.

There are many types of libraries in Bulgaria: public, college and university, school, community (called chitaliste), technical, and special. This program is designed to help those libraries that want to improve their library collection and services and reach out to America to begin a cultural dialogue.

They need books and multi-media resources. They want books in English to help young people enhance their future and books on American history, culture, automation, economics, to help their older students.

How to Become a Partner Library

There are only 3 requirements to become a Partner Library:

• A desire to learn about a different culture
• A willingness to frequently communicate with your Partner
• An e-mail address (post office is too slow)

American partners are expected to communicate regularly with their Bulgarian partner. Typically, American partners will also send books and other materials to their Bulgarian partner. If the American partner contributes the resources, the Colorado State Library will pay to ship them to Bulgaria.

For more information about partnership activities, read other entries on this website or contact Nancy Bolt at nancybolt@earthlink.net or 303.866.6733 at the Colorado State Library.