Page 6 - Knjižnica Brežice - Brošura 2016

THE BREŽICE LIBRARY – INCREASINGLY CLOSER TO PEOPLE

»Basic libraries build collections. Good libraries build services. Great libraries build Communities.« (R. David Lankes)

The role of the general library has been adapting over time, along with a changing society and state, to maintain concern for the Slovenian
language and culture. The Brežice library has done the same. The library knew how to meet users’ needs. From its original role as the place
to borrow books, it has grown into an educational, cultural and social meeting point for our community. I’m glad to say that the library,
as one of 18 public institutes being established by the Community, has always been closely connected to its local residents. In collaboration
this previous decade, we have managed to modernise our infrastructure and upgrade library services. Employees’ working conditions and
user experience have improved.

During the Brežice library’s celebratory 70th anniversary year, we are proud of the modernised area of the Local Studies collection which
bears witness to work and events in our towns, most prominently, two of our most distinguished Slovenian linguists and patriots: Jože
Toporišič and Maks Pleteršnik. The library has proved to be a vital connection to its neighbouring citizens, opening its department in
Jernej Molan barracks at Cerklje ob Krki in 2014 and an automated issue desk in the Pišece Primary School in 2013. These satellite units
are engaging citizens living in locations farther away from the city centre. By organising numerous events, workshops and other activities,
the library is the most active institution in our community and the wider surroundings of Posavje. The 2006 building addition brought
architectural significance and placed it among the best new library buildings in Europe.

Today, thanks to its employees, the library is a crossroads of openness, equality, intergenerational cooperation and lifelong learning; a
point of culture and inspirations, comfort and relaxation, as well as a welcoming place to socialize. Without them, the library would only
be an interesting structure full of books on shelves.

I believe that the library will continue to connect people of all the generations, particularly vulnerable groups, and will maintain its role
as a community institution that fosters freedom, education, equality and cooperation.

Ivan Molan, Mayor of Brežice