Colleagues from the Ivan Tavčar Public Library in Škofja Loka (Slovenia) share their experience working with their two sister libraries, with whom they have collaborated for several years. Their story is a great example of how strong and lasting partnerships can be built through the NAPLE Sister Libraries Programme!
In April, our library hosted librarians from our sister libraries in Panevešys, Lithuania and Tabor, the Czech Republic. We have been collaborating with our Lithuanian partners through the NAPLE network of European public libraries for eleven years now, and with our partners in Tabor for three years. Our delegation has already visited both libraries, and this year presented a unique opportunity for them to return the visit and, among other things, see the Škofja Loka Passion Play, the first preserved text of the Slovene play dated in 1721.
We introduced them to our library, its branches, and our work. They learned about our activities, heard about reading clubs, different projects, communities, and daily life in the libraries.
They also visited the regional Kranj City Library and the National and University Library in Ljubljana. It was interesting to see different types of libraries, talk with colleagues, and get ideas for projects.
They toured our medieval town of Škofja Loka, visited the castle museum, and then the picturesque town of Bled with Lake Bled. We believe our colleagues returned home with wonderful impressions and unforgettable memories.
Such meetings remind us once again that, even though we live in different countries, librarians are connected by very similar things: people, community, ideas, and a love for our work.
We would like to thank NAPLE Sister Libraries, which opens opportunities for libraries to get to know one another, share experiences, find inspiration, and build friendships that transcend national borders.
Text by: Saša Ambrožič. Librarian of Public Library Ivan Tavčar Škofja Loka, SLOVENIA
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