National Assembly President Tsetska Tsacheva opened the National Library Week and handed out its annual awards. In her address she underscored that more than ever before the Bulgarian libraries are playing a decisive role for the spiritual development of the nation. “I do believe that the educational impact of our libraries had not remained in the past, they continue to be a place for a formal and informal education for people of all ages”, she added. In her words libraries are places conserving the cultural treasures of Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian Library and Information Association handed to the President of the National Assembly a petition to the legislative and executive branch of government and the public. The Association calls for regulation of the status and financing of school libraries with the new Preschool and School Education Bill and for adequate funding of the university libraries and their inclusion in the procedures for university accreditation.

Tsetska Tsacheva promised that the proposals will be put to the attention of the 41^st National Assembly as soon as the next week due to the commitment of its members to solving the problems of Bulgarian libraries. Mrs. Tsetska Tsacheva noted that it was obligation of the deputies to support the development of libraries and their transformation in contemporary centers for information and education.

The Bulgarian Association of Libraries and Information is organizing for six consecutive years the National Week, which is to take place May 16 – 20, 2011. During the week, the libraries throughout the country will held a number of events with the aim to focus the attention of the legislative, executive powers and the society on libraries as an important partner in all forms of education and gaining of key skills and to further encourage and facilitate continuing self education and acquiring of knowledge.

The National Library Week was opened at the National Library “St. Cyril and St. Methodius” and was attended by librarians from all over the country, deputies and representatives from government and nongovernment organizations. The President and coordinator of the European Network of School Libraries and the International Association of School Libraries Laurence Dass was also guest at the opening.