Slovenia's Mobile Libraries Bring Books and Culture to Remote Villages

Slovenia's network of 14 mobile libraries is an essential part of the country's well-developed library system. These mobile libraries cover the entire nation, traveling an impressive 131,000 kilometers annually, equivalent to circling the globe more than three times. They serve around 20,000 regular users, particularly in remote villages, providing access to literature and information that would otherwise be out of reach.

The mobile libraries are more than just vehicles for transporting books; they are spaces for learning, meeting, and information centers that open the door to knowledge and culture. The Slovenian Library Association's Mobile Libraries Section is dedicated to spreading awareness of the importance and role of mobile libraries in modern society.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ljubljana's mobile library, a two-day Mobile Library Festival and international conference was held in Ljubljana. The event featured a fleet of 18 library buses from Slovenia, Croatia, and Hungary. Slovenian Culture Minister Asta Vrecko and Deputy Mayor of Ljubljana Dejan Crnek addressed the conference, emphasizing the significance of these mobile libraries.

"The network of libraries is the largest cultural network in Slovenia, which enables people to enter the world of culture, reading and imagination," said Vrecko. The mobile libraries visit a range of locations, including prisons, care centers for the elderly, kindergartens, schools for children with special needs, and remote villages.

The mobile libraries also play a crucial role in promoting literacy and access to knowledge. They lend out approximately 400 books per day, ensuring that even those in the most isolated areas can enjoy literature. Estera Perkovic Secen, a librarian and driver of a mobile library, shared her passion for the work, saying, "I love the work that I do because I can combine my love for books, literature, children, the young, adventure, travel and the open road."

The Ljubljana Travelling Library, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, currently visits 47 stops in the Municipality of Ljubljana and suburban municipalities, operating every working day. The first library bus was launched in autumn 1974 and has since traveled thousands of kilometers, lent out millions of books, and formed strong bonds between librarians and users.

In one month, the mobile libraries visit almost 50 stops in ten municipalities. The 12-meter-long vehicles carry 7,500 items, and users can also access the library's electronic material through modern information and communication equipment. These mobile libraries are a testament to Slovenia's commitment to making information accessible to all, regardless of geographical location.

As Vrecko noted, "Mobile libraries make information accessible to all, even those who live in remote villages." The upcoming 22nd Mobile Libraries Conference and Festival of Bibliobuses in Ljubljana will further highlight the importance of these libraries and their possibilities for further development.

Key Takeaways

• Slovenia's 14 mobile libraries cover 131,000 km annually, serving 20,000 users.
• Mobile libraries provide access to literature and information in remote areas.
• They visit prisons, care centers, kindergartens, and schools for children with special needs.
• Mobile libraries lend out 400 books daily, promoting literacy and access to knowledge.
• The Ljubljana Travelling Library celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024.