Municipal Library – Svilengrad: The Home of Knowledge and Cultural Life
The Municipal Library in Svilengrad is more than just a place filled with books – it is a living guide through the town’s history and spirit.
Picturesquely located on the banks of the Maritsa River, near the Old Bridge, the library now resides in a modern, spacious building—the first true home for books and readers in nearly 150 years.
This new space offers comfort and convenience for both visitors and the growing book collection. Here, the past meets the future, and knowledge comes alive on every floor.
A Story That Inspires
The story of the Municipal Library began in 1870, when its first collection of books was housed in a room at the First Primary School “Hristo Popmarkov.” At the time, the head teacher was a young Ivan Vazov – the future national poet – who, with dedication and a love for learning, laid the foundations of educational work in the town.
During those early years, the library served primarily as a refuge for schoolchildren who, despite the hardships of the Ottoman period, carried the light of literacy into their homes.
After the Second World War, the library changed locations several times – from the “Janova Pharmacy,” to the beautiful Art Nouveau building of Dr. Tsukrovsky (now the History Museum), and later to the former city bath.
In each of these spaces, librarians and readers created their own stories and kept the spirit of knowledge alive.
A particularly significant figure in this history is Dimitar Popgeorgiev, a dedicated librarian who, in the 1950s, introduced modern systems of organization and service, making the library more accessible and user-friendly for everyone.
The Modern Home of the Library – A Place for All Generations
In 2018, a new era began as the library received its own dedicated building, thoughtfully designed to meet the needs and comfort of modern readers.
With three floors, five cozy reading rooms, separate departments for adults and children, a conference hall, computer room, and an outdoor summer reading area, it offers everything necessary for education, culture, and creativity.
An automated system provides fast and easy access to over 87,000 volumes, making the library a place where everyone can discover a new favorite book or a source of inspiration.
A Cultural Centre with a Mission
Today, the Svilengrad Municipal Library is more than just a library – it is the heart of the city’s cultural life, with over 1,000 active readers.
Here, the past comes alive through books, and the future is shaped by new knowledge and ideas.
The library not only preserves literary heritage but also connects people, fosters creativity, and inspires all who seek knowledge and wisdom.
Gallery
Photographer: Pavel Sarandiev
Prices
Free access
Contact
gr. Svilengrad, Blvd. “Bulgaria” 24
Opening hours
Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM