On 15 January 2026 the National Library of the Republic of Moldova marked National Culture Day, celebrated on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of the poet Mihai Eminescu, through an extensive cultural program.
On this occasion, the landmark exhibition “CULTURE THAT UNITES US: HERITAGE, LANGUAGE, CREATION” was inaugurated, highlighting the richness of the national cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. The exhibition emphasised the role of culture in shaping identity, of language in transmitting values, and of creation as an expression of the human spirit.
The exhibition brought together valuable documents from the institution’s collections, presented within a thematic itinerary structured into ten sections, reflecting the unity and diversity of the national cultural space. The event was attended by the State Secretary for Culture of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, Ms. Marcela Nistor. During the festive ceremony, she awarded certificates of gratitude to librarians, granted by the Ministry of Culture, as a token of appreciation for their professionalism, dedication, and contribution to promoting national cultural values.
Within the same festive context, the National Library of the Republic of Moldova launched the yearbook “National Calendar 2026”, an encyclopaedic publication that includes prominent personalities from science, culture, and the arts from the Republic of Moldova and Romania, as well as milestones of universal culture, selected according to value-based criteria. The work comprises approximately 500 memorable dates, 167 of which are documented, and mentions over 700 national and international anniversary, commemorative, professional events and holidays to be marked in 2026. The event was attended by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Cristian Jardan.
Also on National Culture Day, in order to highlight the fundamental role of the book, the exhibition “The Book in the Works of Renowned Painters” was inaugurated, dedicated to the importance of the book in culture and in the intellectual formation of the individual. The exhibition brings together approximately 50 volumes that illustrate “His Majesty the Book” through artistic representations of reading and of the relationship between humans and books, captured across different historical periods and cultural contexts, emphasising the book both as an instrument of knowledge and as a source of inspiration for visual artists.
The marking of National Culture Day by the National Library of the Republic of Moldova highlights the strategic role of libraries as institutions dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and dissemination of cultural heritage. Such initiatives reaffirm the importance of culture in public life and underscore the library’s contribution to strengthening national identity and ensuring the continuity of cultural values.
Text by: Elena Pintilei
Translated by: Mariana Kiriakov