On 12 February 2026, the National Library of the Republic of Moldova (NLRM), under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, organised a festive event celebrating the culture of reading, reaffirming the essential role of reading in personal, cultural, and civic development.
The event was held in the context of the National Reading Day in the Republic of Moldova, officially established by Parliamentary Decision No. 83 of 31 March 2022 (amending Decision No. 433/1990 on commemorative days, holidays, and days of rest). Over the past years, National Reading Day has become an important platform for dialogue among librarians, writers, educators, media professionals and policy-makers, highlighting reading as a strategic priority in the development of an informed and resilient society.
The event was moderated by Elena Pintilei, Director General of the National Library of the Republic of Moldova, who emphasised the evolving meaning of reading in the 21st century. In her opening remarks, she addressed the profound transformations generated by Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies, which are reshaping the ways that the texts are produced, accessed, and interpreted.
Issues such as interaction with digital texts, copyright protection, ethical use of information, and safeguarding readers in the information age are no longer peripheral concerns, but central themes for the library field. Libraries today are called upon not only to preserve documentary heritage, but also to guide users through complex digital environments, fostering critical thinking and responsible engagement with information.
A highlight of the event was the debate session “Reading in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Points of View”, which brought together prominent personalities from the literary, cultural, and media sectors.
Writer Emilian Galaicu-Păun delivered a compelling address entitled “The Books I Have Read, the Books That Wrote Me”. Reflecting on his personal and intellectual journey, he argued that authentic reading represents a pathway to inner freedom. Each book read contributes to shaping one’s worldview, enabling the individual to cultivate autonomy and critical reflection. He also drew a crucial distinction between books that manipulate and books that liberate, highlighting the responsibility of both readers and cultural institutions.
Digital creator Vitalie Eșanu presented the paper “Artificial Intelligence – the Next Frontier in Promoting Culture.” His intervention examined the impact of emerging technologies on the dissemination of culture through books, press, radio, television, and online platforms. He explored the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and human communication, emphasising that technological innovation should complement, rather than replace, authentic cultural dialogue.
Orest Dabija, member of the Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Moldova, offered an analytical perspective in his presentation “The Reader in the “3 Cs”: How? When? How Much?”
Note: The “3 Cs” framework explores three dimensions of reading behaviour: how people read (methods and strategies), when they read (timing and frequency), and how much they read (volume and engagement). This concise model helps analyse contemporary reading habits in the digital age.
He addressed reading habits, the time allocated to reading, and the changing patterns of information consumption in a digital society. His insights highlighted the necessity for libraries and media institutions to understand contemporary audiences in order to design relevant and impactful programs.
The event also showcased innovative practices from public libraries across the country.
Mariana Harjevschi, Director General of the Municipal Library B.P. Hasdeu in Chișinău, presented the experience of organizing the “Booktrailer Competition” Program. The initiative was awarded in the category “Most Original Project / Program for Promoting Books and Reading” within the National LecturaCentral Program (8th edition, 2025). By encouraging young readers to create short video trailers inspired by books, the program successfully connected traditional reading with multimedia creativity, strengthening engagement among digital-native generations.
Nadejda Pădure, Director of the “Mihail Sadoveanu” District Public Library in Strășeni and laureate of the 2026 “Ion Madan” Ministry of Culture Award in librarianship, highlighted local projects that consolidate the library’s image as a community hub. She emphasized that reading promotion initiatives not only encourage literacy but also reinforce local identity and cultural cohesion.
The final part of the event focused on the initiatives of the National Library of the Republic of Moldova and the official launch of the 9th edition (2026) of the National Program LecturaCentral, one of the most significant nationwide campaigns for reading promotion in the Republic of Moldova.
Vera Osoianu, Deputy Director of the NLRM, reviewed the key achievements of the 2025 edition, particularly the National Campaign “The Writer at Home,” and outlined the strategic objectives for 2026. These include: expanding partnerships, diversifying activities, and increasing the visibility of Moldovan authors, both nationally and internationally.
Ecaterina Dmitric, Head of Section at the NLRM, presented the initiatives planned within the National Campaign “September – No Day without Reading,” the national competitions organized under the 2026 Program, and the initiative “Reading Unites Us,” aimed at strengthening solidarity through shared reading experiences.
At the same time, Ludmila Corghenci, Head of Section at the NLRM, addressed the importance of continuous professional development for librarians. She highlighted training activities organised through the National Centre for Continuing Professional Training in Library and Information Science, as well as collaboration with experts in book and reading promotion. Strengthening librarians’ competencies is considered a prerequisite for sustaining a vibrant reading culture and responding effectively to technological and societal change.
The event brought together writers, actors, digital creators, and librarians from various districts of the Republic of Moldova. Discussions focused on the challenges posed by a generation of digital natives, the influence of social networks and multimedia platforms on reading habits, and the broader transformations generated by new technologies.
Participants emphasised that libraries must continuously adapt to new forms of interaction with texts, while preserving their fundamental mission: ensuring equitable access to knowledge and safeguarding cultural heritage. Developing critical and digital reading skills was identified as a strategic priority, ensuring that reading remains a powerful instrument of intellectual formation, democratic participation, and cultural continuity.
Through this National Reading Day celebration, the National Library of the Republic of Moldova reaffirmed its commitment to promoting reading as a cornerstone of education, creativity, and social cohesion. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, the library continues to serve as a trusted space for dialogue, reflection, and cultural exchange — contributing not only to national development, but also to the shared European vision of informed and engaged communities.
Text by: Ecaterina Dmitric, Head of Section, National Library of the Republic of Moldova
Translated by: Mariana Kiriakov, main specialist, National Library of the Republic of Moldova
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