Colorado/Bulgarian Library Partnership Interest Group
Project Overview
In 1996, Colorado was privileged to host Iskra Mihailova, Continuing Education Consultant for the Bulgarian National Library, as an American Library Association Fellow. Ms. Mihailova's visit prompted Colorado State Librarian, Nancy Bolt to visit and lecture in Bulgaria and to press for the adoption of a Resolution of Cooperation between the Colorado Association of Libraries and the Bulgarian Library Association. This resolution serves as the charge to the CAL Bulgarian/Colorado Library Partnership Project Interest Group.
The Bulgarian Library Project to date has formed twelve partnerships between Bulgarian and Colorado libraries. More are currently being planned. The Partnerships engage in many activities including:
- Regular communication by e-mail and postal mail;
- Exhibits and programs in the libraries in both countries;
- Exchange of cultural information about each city and county;
- Sending books from American libraries to their Bulgarian partner libraries;
- Pen pals (and e-mail pals) between children and teenagers in both countries;
- Visits of librarians and municipal officials to each other's country;
- Internships of librarians in each other's country;
- Establishment of English reading rooms in Bulgarian libraries;
- Lasting cross-cultural friendships.
The project is funded through various fund-raising activities:
- Local libraries donate used books or buy new books;
- Library and municipal vendors are asked to donate funds to support programs;
- Bulgarian jewelry and crafts are imported and sold with part of the proceeds going to send library materials to Bulgarian libraries and to support other aspects of the project;
- Federal grants from the US Department of State.
Craft Sales Benefit Bulgarian Libraries
Bulgarians produce beautiful arts, crafts, and jewelry. State Librarian Nancy Bolt brings jewelry and crafts back from Bulgaria and sells it at craft festivals to benefit Bulgarian libraries. The funds have been used to partially fund a booth for the Bulgarian Library Association at the American Library Association Conference and to send books donated by American Libraries to Bulgarian libraries. If you would like to make a donation or schedule a program about Bulgaria with a jewelry sale, please contact the project chair Nancy Bolt.