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Public Library in Gradacac

Libraries were existing through all ages and their activities have been developed firstly in the frame of religious institutions or educational-cultural institutions; then after certain time the libraries became autonomous institutions. Tradition of preservetion and existing of the written word on the territory of the city of Gradacac is dating from 16 century. From that time first written traces exist about libraries in the form of cadastral registers /defters/ from the period of Othoman authorities. Development of Gradacac, from of an old named -Nenavishte- was very intensive, so that a large number of different institutions were built especially of cultural-educational characteristic.

First madrasa /islamic school/ which was built by Othman who was one of the biggest bosnian founder, had a small school library with a great number of textbooks and handbooks. According to some historical documents first library in Gradacac, which exists in the yard of Husayniya mosque, was founded in 1839 by Seyyed Fadil-pasha Sharifovic. We can read information regarding the founder and year of building from the inscription existing up the entrance door of the library mentioned above. After World War II, exactly in 1946, was established National Library in Sarajevo,the capitol city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a very, very small number of books. The library in Gradacac was gradually developing, increasing a set books and number of readers as well. Till 1975 the situation of the library was not good, but after adoption of middle-term development plan of librarianship and investment the considerable financial funds, the general situation of the library has been improved including books, staff an room conditions. Immediately after last war in BiH, in accordance to the law of the library activities from 1996, in Gradacac was established public library which became an autonomous institution, not depending on Nationl Library. It is first example of such kind on the territory of Tuzla-Podrinye Canton, probably on the territory of Federation of BiH.

In 1997 the library was solemnly inaugurated by federal minister of ESCS prof. Fahrudin Rizvanbegovic. It should be mentioned that the library has at present 15.224 books. That only left from 35.000 books before last war the library had. Among these books there are 348 rare books. Today the library has 3 sections: one of them is for children and youth, the one is for adults and the other one is professional books. There is also native collection of books and well-equiped reader's club for those who love reading the books. Besides, thanks to many donors and their donations or gifts the library supplied, from November 96 to August 98, 5.500 books, bookshelfs, computer, copying mashine, then furniture for redaers club. The library staff would like to thank USAID-OTI, LORA, Bosnian Institute in Zurich, National Library in Sarajevo for their contributions, donations and assistance in work of the library.

It is worth to be mentioned that the people of the city of Gradacac gave some their books to the library as a gift in charitable action that was organized. In addition let us mention that author s register was successfully arranged in 1997, so that enables more effective work of the library.

During the time passed 3.000 readers of all ages visited the library. In order to increase the number of readers the library organized numerous literary meetings, which held in Gradacac with participation of famous bosnian writers and scholars such like, for example, Abdullah Sidran, Aliya Dubocanin, Bisera Alikadic, Lamiya Hadziosmanovic, Emina Memiya, Dinko Delic and others.

In consideration of fact that the books of many school library are destroyed or lost now there is pressing problem regarding obligatory books pupils of primary and secondary schools need to read it in course of school year. It means that establishment of portale or regional,local libraries in local communities is very needed, because Gradacac has 50.000 inhabitants, so one library can not meet the needs of peoples including the pupils of 7 primary schools with its 18 local departments and 2 secondary schools.

If books are not available, educational school programme will not be completed. With written word, protection and popularization of books, then publishing activities, the public library in Gradacac continues tradition of the protection of cultural heritage. Esed Karic director