Pristina, November 25, 2024
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, attended the solemn ceremony organized on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the National Library of Kosovo. On this occasion, he emphasized that today we mark a grand moment in our cultural history, as this library is more than an institution; it is a testament to the resilience of the intellect and spirit of our people, where for eight decades the written word, the memory of the nation, and the future of our cultural heritage have been preserved.
Initially, I would like to express my gratitude to the staff of the National Library and all the generations of intellectuals, scholars, and readers who have contributed to this collective journey. Additionally, heartfelt thanks to the organizers of this anniversary, who have enabled us to come together in celebration today, thanks to their inspiring creativity and unwavering passion,” he stated.
Furthermore, he added that in recent years, the support of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has been essential in the development of the National Library. With major initiatives such as establishment of the Digitalization Center and expanding our collections with over 76,000 new book units, we have established solid links between the past and the future. This center has become a landmark for the preservation and digitization of our heritage, including over 873,000 digital objects already accessible to all readers. Additionally, the library network in Kosovo has been strengthened through the donation of books to 27 school libraries and the organization of programs for the training of librarians,” said the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Kurti concluded his speech by emphasizing that the National Library of Kosovo is an active monument of the written word and a living testament to our national integrity, and within these walls live the ideas, voices, and dreams of generations that have built our consciousness as a people.
“While we celebrate this anniversary, let us dedicate ourselves to further enhancing its role as a haven of scientific wisdom and artistic beauty, and as a beacon guiding us into the future,” concluded the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Honorable Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca,
Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hajrulla Çeku,
Honorable Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Library of Kosovo, Professor Bardh Rugova,
Honorable Director of the National Library of Kosovo, Ms. Blerina Rogova Gaxha,
Honorable academic, professor, Andrija Mutnjaković, architect of our Kosovo Library,
Honorable staff of the National Library,
Honorable enthusiasts and friends of knowledge, intellectuals and authors, professors and students,
Ladies and gentleman,
Honorable attendees,
Today we celebrate a magnificent moment in our cultural history, the 80th anniversary of the National Library of Kosovo “Pjetër Bogdani.” This library is more than an institution; it is a testament to the resilience of our people’s intellect and spirit. For eight decades, the written word, the memory of the nation, and the future of our cultural heritage have been protected.
Coincidentally, we have just come back from the city of Shtime, where we opened the new library for the municipality of Shtime, funded by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. And it is a pleasure to continue the day in another house of books which is marking its 80th anniversary of activity. This occasion is more than just an anniversary; it’s a rich narrative of accomplishments and commitment. Therefore, initially I would like to express my gratitude to the staff of the National Library and all the generations of intellectuals, scholars, and readers who have contributed to this collective journey.
Additionally, heartfelt thanks to the organizers of this anniversary, who have enabled us to come together in celebration today, thanks to their inspiring creativity and unwavering passion. On this occasion, let me express my gratitude and commend you for this fitting logo that includes the symbol of our national library, the ancient Illyrian spiral, celebrating the library’s 80th anniversary this year, while also appearing boundless, like infinity, something that is now countless and immeasurable.
In recent years, the support of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has been essential in the development of the National Library.
With major initiatives such as establishment of the Digitalization Center and expanding our collections with over 76,000 new book units, we have established solid links between the past and the future. This center has become a landmark for the preservation and digitization of our heritage, including over 873,000 digital objects already accessible to all readers. Additionally, the library network in Kosovo has been strengthened through the donation of books to 27 school libraries and the organization of programs for librarian training.
It is a privilege to have with us the academician Andrija Mutnjaković, the visionary architect behind this iconic structure, which serves as an enduring symbol of our identity. For the first time in its 80-year history, the National Library building will soon undergo a complete renovation. The architectural project design is nearing completion and is about to receive approvals from the appropriate cultural heritage institutions. Academic Mr. Mutnjaković himself has been part of this process, and necessary interventions in and regarding this building have been consulted with him. We express our gratitude for his contribution, and we are very appreciative of his presence in Kosovo during these days.
In the evening, the Kosovo Philharmonic will bring a concert that personifies the harmony between art and culture, highlighting the importance of cooperation between music and literature. The retrospective exhibition on the 80 years of the National Library and its publications gives us the opportunity to reflect on the past journey and the vision for the future.
The National Library of Kosovo is an active monument to the written word and a living testament to our national integrity. Within these walls live the ideas, voices, and dreams of generations that have shaped our consciousness as a people. While celebrating this anniversary, let us dedicate ourselves to further enhancing its role as a haven of scientific wisdom and artistic elegance, and a guiding light for the future.
Honorable attendees,
The library isn’t counting on the light at the end of the tunnel. She is the lantern in the traveler’s hand, casting light on the path forward and the environment around. The Republic of Kosovo is dedicated to enhancing support annually for the written word and the National Library, particularly for books and authors, as one of the key pillars of our cultural, educational, scientific, theoretical, and aesthetic advancement. This commitment will continue to be strengthened through investments, enrichment of collections, and the promotion of knowledge for every citizen of Kosovo without distinction.
Thank you all for the commitment and contribution that have made this extraordinary success possible. Wishing you a pleasant, shared, and inspiring evening!
Last modified: November 27, 2024