Galati County Library Adds Free Public Access for Community

On March 10, the Tecuci Town Library in Galati County officially added free computer and internet access to a growing list of library visitor services.

Library Director Manuela Cepraga explained that his library feels it is important to help users access different types of information. “The operation of a modern library is tightly linked to computers and IT. The strategic development mission of the public library is one of cultural-information center that offers users both print and electronic materials, via free access to new media, and secures the production and publication of information, direct or e-access to various data bases and documents.”

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, community members were invited to use the newly installed equipment; community police, children, and school principals all tested the new technology, alongside 20 librarians recently trained in modern library service management.

Neighboring county librarians attending the event will soon have their own opportunity to participate in the program. Over the next four years, Biblionet expects to equip up to 2000 Romanian libraries and train up to 2500 librarians.

The Mayor of Tecuci, Eduard Finkelstain, was also present at the event, along with the Prefect of Galaţi County, Cosmin Paun, a member of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, Silvia Nestorescu, Deputy-chair of the ANBPR, Liviu Dediu, and several representatives from the local council. Explaining why Tecuci decided to invest in its library, Diector Cepraga said that extensive access to information will help his community members gain the necessary skills to fully participate in today’s world. “A community where everybody has internet access fares much better from many points of view; its members have more opportunities to use their creativity, come up with novel ideas that can be capitalized on locally and can join efforts so as to improve their quality of life.”