Libraries - neglected by the state and at a distance from readers

The negligence of the state towards libraries, according to their leaders, has affected them not being able to bridge the distance with readers in this time of pandemic. They have not had the opportunity to stay close to them by offering them materials in online format. And when their opening is reconsidered, the leaders reveal ideas that do not meet everyone's needs.

These were some of the findings in the online discussion, "The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the functioning of libraries at the central and local level" with Teuta Demir, leader of the "Sadik Tafashiku" library in Ferizaj, and Fazli Gajrakun, director of the national library of Kosovo "Pjeter Bogdani" in Pristina. The discussion held on Monday, under the leadership of Aurela Kadri, was organized by the "Culture for Change" program, which is financed by the European Union.

The National Library of Kosovo, like other libraries in the country, has been closed since March 16, and since then two attempts have been made to open it. According to its director, Fazli Gajraku, the number of people interested in opening this library is large. According to him, especially now at the time of exams and with the beginning of September, the students, those who frequent this space the most, demand its opening.

According to him, a discussion with the higher authorities in the country that are responsible for regulating the easing of measures and allowing the opening of libraries would be necessary. During these months, he said that he and the Library staff have been looking at the practices of libraries in different countries and have a clear idea of ​​how they will function. He said that such practices would be easily revealed even before the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo if the same one dealt exclusively with libraries... (Read more in KOHA Ditore)