From June 29 to July 4, 2026, Petko Prokopov and Georgi Georgiev—representatives of the “Petko R. Slaveykov” Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo—and colleagues from the “Sts. Cyril and Methodius” National Library in Sofia took part in a professional visit to the region of Andalusia, Spain, organized as part of the “Erasmus+” program.
The working visit included tours of various libraries in the public library networks of Almería and Roquetas de Mar, as well as the “Nicolás Salmerón” University Library at the University of Almería.
The Bulgarian library professionals had the opportunity to learn about the organization of work, modern library services, and best practices in Spanish libraries.
Among the institutions visited were the “José María Artero” Central Library in Almería and its branches in Cabo de Gata, El Alquián, La Chanca, and Los Ángeles; the libraries in Aguadulce, Las Marinas, El Parador, and the “Parque de los Bajos” Reading Room in Rochetas de Mar; as well as the municipal library in El Ejido.
The modern organization of the library spaces, the automated systems for borrowing and returning books, the opportunities for readers to use technology independently, and the specially designed areas for people with special needs made a particularly strong impression.
At the “José María Artero” Central Library, the Bulgarian librarians learned about innovative solutions for presenting library collections, as well as the use of symbols and visual elements to help readers find their way around more easily.
At the “José María Artero” Central Library, Bulgarian librarians learned about innovative solutions for presenting library collections, the use of symbols and visual elements to help readers find their way around, as well as initiatives for collecting and preserving local history.
The children’s areas sparked interest, including the zones for the youngest readers—the so-called “Bebeteca”—as well as the areas for board games, video games, and creative activities.
The visit to the “Nicolás Salmerón” University Library highlighted new trends in the development of library services for students—24-hour study areas during exam periods, a large proportion of digital resources, modern spaces for individual and group work, and easy access to information.
During the meetings, professional experiences were shared regarding working with various user groups, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities.
The hosts also organized a rich cultural program, including visits to iconic sites in the region—the Alcazaba fortress and the Cabo de Gata Natural Park—as well as participation in cultural events organized by the local Bulgarian community in Almería.
The libraries in Almería and Rocetas de Mar donated books in Spanish, which will be made available to readers at the “Petko R. Slaveykov” Regional Library and its partner libraries.
“This visit showed us that, regardless of the differences between our library systems, we share a common goal—for the library to be an open space for knowledge, culture, and community,” the participants shared.
The “Petko R. Slaveykov” Regional Library expresses its gratitude to its Spanish colleagues for their hospitality, professionalism, and willingness to collaborate in the future.
