The President of the Republic of Kosovo Dr. Vjosa Osmani participated today at the opening of the 18th edition of the Library Week.
This week, according to madam President, highlights the essential role that libraries have in the promotion of reading. On the other hand, it also gives voice to the challenges and needs of library institutions in Kosovo for support of their efforts to increase capacity in their noble profession at the service of all readers. “For us, libraries are centers for the preservation of our common memory and its continuous promotion. Therefore, we need to make the role of libraries as visible as possible and to recognize their function as one of the strong pillars of the people of Kosovo “, the President emphasized. The first of the country, in her speech, announced the opening of the Presidential Library “Dr. Ibrahim Rugova.”
I have the special honour and enthusiasm that today, on the opening day of the Library Week, but also on the day when with a number of activities we mark the “President's Day”, announced as such by the historic President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, to proclaim to the citizens of Kosovo the news that the Presidential Library “Dr. Ibrahim Rugova ”, built according to the model of the United States of America and which is also the fruit of close cooperation between our institutions in the first place, but also with incessant support of our friends from the USA. This decision will be followed by the cooperation agreement with the MCYS, including its subordinate institutions, the National Library, the State Archives and the National Museum, for the professional establishment of the presidential library. Also, we will soon welcome Ms. Susan Donius, former director of all U.S. Presidential Libraries, appointed by the US Department of State as an expert to assist in the professional development of the “Dr. “Ibrahim Rugova” Presidential Library, said President Osmani. According to the President, this library will collect and preserve official and personal documents, artifacts and historical materials that documents the history of state formation and institutional life of Kosovo, above all the important period of leadership and contribution of the historic President, but also many of his collaborators. “The mission of this library will be to offer to every citizen the opportunity to access this archive, thus supporting the research and the best understanding of our national history, the sufferings, sacrifices and challenges that our nation and our state has gone through. “This library will be a place that promotes the values of democracy and of the state of Kosovo, that educates and inspires future generations”, added the President.
The President also appealed for an as greater visit to the libraries as possible, to utilise endless library resources, but also archives and museums, to get to know our country and our nation better, and to get the best possible education for ourselves.
“As the president of the country, but also as a person who has come from the academic world, I will make sure, together with colleagues, that our libraries receive the deserved attention and proper institutional support, but I will also welcome any initiative aimed at promotion of knowledge, culture and of our common heritage, which strengthens the role of cultural institutions in a society of knowledge. This is exactly how we will set a good example not only within our country but also internationally “, said President Osmani.