With a formal ceremony at the Smederevo Cultural Centre, Smederevo Public Library today marked 180 years of its existence and work.
It was founded in 1846 as one of the first public libraries in the Principality of Serbia.
The tradition of books in Smederevo began as early as the court of Despot Đurađ Branković, and over its history the library has overcome many trials, including the destruction of its collection in 1941.
Today it is a modern institution with 250,000 books, and it enrols up to 10,000 members each year.
The Director, Olivera Stajić, stressed that the institution enjoys strong support from the City of Smederevo and announced that work to refurbish the library premises would begin soon.
During April, the anniversary programme included literary meetings with Vladimir Pištalo, Nenad Šaponja and Jasminka Petrović.
Exhibitions were also held on the local heritage of Milan Jovanović Stojimirović. The programme ends on 29 April with the launch of the new issue of the journal “Mons Aureus”.
Teachers and pupils of the Music School “Kosta Manojlović” performed at today’s ceremony.
Letters of thanks were presented to the Library’s partners, and on behalf of the City of Smederevo, an award was received by Aleksandra Mitić, Member of the City Council responsible for education and culture.
The most active readers of the past year also received awards.
