Bulgarian Librarians Visit Iowa, State Library (2004)

Five Bulgarian librarians are in Iowa from April 19 to May 21, 2004, to visit libraries through the American-Bulgarian Library Exchange (ABLE).  Some of the goals of ABLE was to help Bulgarian librarians learn about the roles of libraries in the United States, develop an understanding of Community Information Centers, develop projects for partner libraries, improve computer skills and prepare to be advocates for libraries.  They also teach Iowa librarians about Bulgaria.

The librarians are Galina Stoyanova Doycheva-Viktorova, Mariana Pencheva Uzunova, Maya Krasteva Petrova, Rayno Stefanov Raynov, and Daniela Donova Donova.

Participating Iowa public libraries were in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Newton, Pella and Sioux City.  On May 10 and 11, the Bulgarian visitors attended classes at the State Library in Des Moines.  Vicki Myron, Spencer Public Library, talked about gathering and organizing community information.  Pat Coffie, Waverly Public Library, spoke about collaboration with community groups.  Coffie and Mary Cameron, State Library, also talked about collaboration with groups that serve children.  Gina Milsap, Ames Public Library, discussed working with government officials and Jan Kaiser, Des Moines Public Library, spoke about marketing the library.  Karen Burns from the Southwest Iowa Library Service Area discussed library websites.

The group also has plenty of time to discover Iowa and participate in many different events.  All were interested in visiting a Native American settlement, attending a gospel church, going up in a skyscraper, attending an American wedding and seeing the Bridges of Madison County.

The Iowa Resources for International Service (IRIS), received a grant to develop partnerships between libraries in Bulgaria, Colorado and Iowa.  It builds on the successful Partner Library Project between Bulgarian and Colorado libraries.  Begun in 1996, there are now 10 public library partnerships.

Click here to see photos of the Bulgarian librarians at the State Library and other events.