The Global Libraries Bulgaria Foundation Awards were established in 2017 as part of its mission and goals to support the inclusion of Bulgarian citizens into the online world, and to ensure equal access to information, culture, knowledge and services through the nation’s network of public libraries.
The winners are selected by a jury from a pool of nominations. Nomination conditions and the deadline for submission are published on the GLBF website and through an information campaign.
THE 2025 AWARD WINNERS
National Media:
The Bulgarian National Radio Podcast, “At the Centre of the System”, by journalist Gergana Hrischeva
The podcast tells stories and seeks answers to various cases from the healthcare system, presents reliable information from leading specialists in the field of healthcare and science, and poses important healthcare topics from the patient perspective. Thanks to the podcast and to health journalist Gergana Hrischeva, the Media Literacy trainings organised by GLBF, which included health issues, gained national popularity. Ms Hrischeva’s approach towards library specialists is helpful to our work, especially in Bulgaria’s small communities.
- Nominated by Hristo Botev 1927 Chitalishte in Botevo, Yambol
Regional Media:
Hristo Rayanov, journalist at Bulgarian National Television, Ruse
Hristo Rayanov has comprehensively covered the local public libraries in his reporting this past year.
- Nominated by Lyuben Karavelov Regional Library in Ruse
The Snezhana Yaneva Support Award
The First of June Association, Byala Slatina
The First of June Association is an organisation that has been implementing educational and social initiatives in Vratsa for 23 years, with a focus on donating and volunteering. The Association created the “I Participate – Donate – Change” fund 10 years ago, which raises funds through payroll, donors and donation initiatives. In 2024-2025 the fund contributed to repairs and renovations to the libraries in Barkachevo and Sokolare, and to the Children’s Department in Byala Slatina library. The average donation is 3,000 leva.
- Nominated by Razvitie 1892 Chitalishte, Byala Slatina
Public Institution:
Botevgrad Municipality and Mayor Ivan Gavalyugov
Between October 2024 and September 2025, Botevgrad Municipality worked on:
An accessible environment: approval of an external elevator at the library which will allow for wheelchair access
Modernisation and digitalisation: funds to renovate the technical equipment in the library – work computers for the three departments and multifunctional devices. An electronic i-Lib Prima catalogue has also been introduced which provides easy access to books and digital resources.
Preservation of historical memory: reprinting The Robbery of the Orkhani Treasury (1872) by Maria Miltenova, with the help of Ivan Vazov Library, Botevgrad Municipality, local school students and the author’s descendents. Funds from the sale will be invested into a memorial to the city’s history.
Enrichment of the library collection 5000 leva provided for the purchase of new books.
- Nominated by Ivan Vazov Chitalishte, Botevgrad
2025 PARTNERS
For the first time Global Libraries Bulgaria Foundation awarded special certificates for Partner of the Year:
SKAPTO and Sofia Central Hali partnered with GLBF in a donation campaign for contemporary books for distribution to chitalishta in small Bulgarian towns. Kaufland Bulgaria donated laptops for distribution to chitalishta around the country.