The 27th edition of European Heritage Days in Romania will be celebrated this Saturday with a programme dedicated to books and the culture of reading. Organised under the theme “Library, Archive, Treasures of Cultural Heritage,” the events will present books, letters, manuscripts, albums, and other written resources as invaluable sources of heritage knowledge.

The theme is part of the celebrations of “Arts and Entertainment,” which is the umbrella theme for European Heritage Days 2019. Romania’s interpretation is inspired by the nationwide initiative titled “The Year of Book,” the goal of which is to promote literature, writing, and reading through a rich national programme.

The Year of the Book

Launched earlier in 2019, “The Year of the Book” has so far included numerous activities all across Romania. By highlighting the values of written heritage, these activities helped encourage the exploration of historical documents and develop the habit of reading among young people.

Within this initiative, a special programme titled "Romania Reads" has been set up in schools to empower children to discover the magic of reading and recognise the values of books. The programme included sessions with different authors, public figures, and volunteers, who read parts of their favourite books and this way presented the world of literature and reading in a new way.

The celebrations of the “Year of the Book” will culminate on September 14, when the European Heritage Days 2019 programme will be presented across Romania. Through the title theme, the events will allow for the exploration of numerous public libraries and private archives that will be opened on this occasion.

One of the events that is organised in the context of European Heritage Days 2019 is the exhibition by the Pro-European Services Communication Centre. The exhibition is open from 16 August to 16 October and includes documents, reports, books, and e-publications on European cultural heritage policies.

In addition to this, the Vâlcea County will organise two-day events with support by the County Directorate for Vâlcea Culture, the Vâlcea County Service of the National Archives, and the "Antim Ivireanul" Vâlcea County Library. The visitors will have an opportunity to explore historical documents such as royal letters, administrative documents, and manuscripts by notable public figures.  

These are just some of the events that will help present reading and writing as a potent way to gain and distribute knowledge about local histories, customs, and traditions.

Heritage Community of Romania

While Romania will have an opportunity to present new events and initiatives during European Heritage Days 2019, heritage celebrations and heritage education are not just a one-day event in this country. With initiatives such as “A Selfie for Heritage” and many other heritage education projects carried out over the past few years, Romania actively promotes heritage on a national level. An important focus of these initiatives is put on children to encourage their active involvement with heritage values and ensure they are passed on to future generations.