Osrednja knjižnica Celje (Celje Central Library) is one of the biggest libraries in Slovenija. It is providing library services for a wider area of Celje with the main unit located in the town center at Savinjariver bank and four dislocated units in Vojnik, Štore, Dobrna and Šmartno v Rožnidolini.
Its fourty staff members tend to almost 35.000 active members.
Not too long ago, in 2016, we marked 70th anniversary of our institution which was established immediately after World War II and has continuously operated and grown since. A brief glimpse into history will show, that it was founded by retired professor Vera Levstik who donated her personal library to public use along with some other benefactors who together provided 1810 units/books. In just ten years that number grew to 20.000 units and the library started obtaining new facilities for its mission.
The automatisation of working processes started in 1991 and was completed by 1999. In 2001 the library reached an important milestone – it was the first year that the number of transactions exceeded one million. All this time the library was facing facility and infrastructure problems, it was dispersed into three units across the town, so finally decision was made to build a new modern library building which was finalized in 2010. It was equipped with the most modern technology which meets the needs of every 21st century user.
Especially outstanding is the children’s department, Knjižnica priMiškuKnjižku. Miško Knjižko is a children’s library mascot, a wise dog who was created by renowned and famous Slovenian illustrator Lila Prap who also provided department’s corporate image which is one of a kind. The department tends to the youngest members of the library ranging from preschool to the end of elementary school (0 to 15 years). It organizes many programs and events for kids such as fairytale book meetings, art and literature workshops, puppet and theatre performances and get-togethers with renowned Slovenian and international children and youth authors.
We are member of a national reading program for kids and youth, Rastem s knjigo (Growing up with a book), that includes frequent organized visits of elementary and high school students to local libraries.
We work on the promotion of reading among active generation, with a very successful program Z branjem do zvezd (Through reading to stars), which is a reading badge for adults. Each year a team of librarians puts together a list of some 50 quality fiction books which is presented to readers. The participants pick at least five books of the list and share their impressions about it. At the end of the year they receive a certificate and we organize a meeting with renowned author or concert for them.
We also organize regular events such as poetry readings, series of lectures on philosophy, psychology, art, history health etc. as well as concerts, film nights and different exhibitions.
We also do bibliotherapy sessions in cooperation with local retirement homes and associations for mental health. Another service we provide is calledKnjižnica naobisku(Books on wheels). It is essential a monthly delivery of books to readers that are bedridden due to old age or sickness.
Speaking of the elderly the University of the Third Age that functions within our institution needs to be mentioned. With roughly 600 members and over 40 educational programs it is one of the largest of its kind in the country and it has been going on for nearly a quarter of century.
An important section is also a Local studies department that gathers, documents and presents local written and published heritage. Our colleagues are also chief editors of national local studies portal Kamra with roughly 330 contributing organizations and individuals.
Last but not least to mention is the cooperation with local, national and international cultural institutions, institutes, schools, businesses, embassies and NGOs. A big part of our activities is realized through cooperations some of which have been going on for years or even decades which we are especially proud of.
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Library Name
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Celje Public Library
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Country
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Slovenia
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Establishing Year
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1946
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Staff Number
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40
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Official Website
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2018-10-14
Hangzhou public library
Hangzhou public library
