Europe House, in cooperation with Sarajevo Library and the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Culture and Sport, opened today a new library department housing thousands of books by a variety of European authors.
The new library represents yet another example of successful cooperation between the EU in BiH and local authorities to enhance culture and arts, and enable citizens to enjoy and be inspired by the written word. In an effort to attract new audiences and interest new members to join, the organisers are gifting 20 yearly passes to the first members to join.
Ferdinand Koenig, Head of Communication of the EU Office in BiH underlined the importance of culture to the European Union “We aim to make Europe House a true home, and what is a home without books? Books and libraries are at the centre of our culture and knowledge. Since its foundation as a peace project, the European Union has set out to create links between different people, and culture is a key driver of this. Bosnia and Herzegovina is indisputably part of Europe’s cultural heritage. It is a pleasure to build together something new in the centre of Sarajevo and we encourage people to come to Europe House and use its facilities,” said Koenig.
“We believe that Sarajevo Library, by opening this department within Europe House, will be key in presenting and affirming the rich history of Bosnia and Herzegovina and cultural heritage both in our country and across the world. We will strive to promote cultural values, participate in the preservation of the cultural heritage of BiH as part of European heritage, and contribute to the promotion of BiH culture on an international level,” said Merima Lendo, Sarajevo Library Director.
On behalf of Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Culture and Sports Aida Osmančević thanked the partners for successful cooperation, underlining the role of libraries in promoting culture, unity, art and shared values.
Europe House Sarajevo Library, the newest addition to the vibrant new hub in the centre of Sarajevo, is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00.
Europe House is a long-term communications project of the Delegation of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, superseding the EU Info Centre in BiH, with its central office in Sarajevo (Europe House) and a network of Europe House Info Points across Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a project, Europe House provides relevant information on programmes, projects, institutions and policies of the European Union, as well as on relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union. Europe House network activities include organisation of informative and inspiring events across BiH, with the aim of promoting European values in BiH.