Kameliya Koneva, librarian

American Corner at Sofia City Library

I have known Snejana since 2004. At that time, I was one of the librarians in the ABLE1 project, and she was the Director of the IRC at the US Embassy in Sofia. We met in connection with our upcoming trip to the USA. I was impressed by her enthusiasm and her ability to spread her positivism to those around her. I didn't know at that time that she was the engine of the Bulgarian participation in the international program of the American Library Association “Sister Libraries” and the library exchange project. I found out this later, in the process of our work. Those who knew Sneja will understand why. She was the engine of things, not a front person. She stood on the stage as a leader, only where and when it was necessary. People around her were getting endless possibilities for professional development.

In 2007 when the American Children’ Corner was created at our library, my contacts with Snejana Ianeva got new dimensions. We had to develop new activities, build and maintain the relationship between the two partner institutions - the US Embassy and the Sofia City Library. I dedicated myself completely, but for her this was one of her countless tasks. Despite that, Sneja always had enthusiasm, strength and time to teach and help me. This was another side of her life philosophy - there were no small or big tasks for her and she could make anyone feel significant for what they did. As a team we managed to organize several cultural and educational programs and attract a large number of visitors in the first year. Thus, Sofia City Library became a worthy partner of the US Embassy and with its support we managed to get a new and bigger space for the American Corner from the District Administration of Sofia. Separate library areas have been established for librarian services for adults and children and a large hall for events. Our work with Snejana on the reconstruction of the premises, the organization of the space, the arrangement and the grand opening in April 2008 taught me much and revealed more of her qualities, which I respect very much – tireless energy outstanding precision and demanding of herself and of others, and defending her ideas and decisions.

Snejana Ianeva was an idealist and enthusiast, but at the same time she knew that this was not enough and did her best to provide enough funding for each project. She was very good in attracting donations from business and non-profit organizations, private donors and volunteers. She herself often donated anonymously her own personal funds and never mentioned her name on the lists of donors. With her help for the American center at the Sofia City Library donations were attracted from member companies of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, of several American libraries and private donors, from employees of the US Embassy in Sofia. In 2009, at the initiative of Snejana, the Sofia City Library signed a three-year grant agreement with the America for Bulgaria Foundation. It contributed greatly to the enrichment of the collection of books and periodicals, the renewal of equipment, offering interesting programs and staff training. The American Center has become a popular place for people of Sofia of all ages and has attracted many new readers to the Sofia City Library.

Sneja taught us many valuable lessons such as how to improve our professional skills, connect with like-minded people, communicate and coordinate, apply world experience. She wanted us to meet, whether in a formal or informal setting, to share ideas, discuss challenges, and work together. As coordinator of the American Centers and corners in the country Sneja organized regularly annual meetings and training and provided our participation in international seminars. This helped us to be always informed about the latest ideas and perspectives for library development worldwide. Thus, prior to the idea of Maker Spaces in libraries, our American centers and corners were the first to become places for young people to work on projects and develop their skills to use modern technologies.

Thanks to Sneja’s idea and initiative, the US Embassy has donated STEM games, robot finch, 3D pens, 3D printer and scanner to our center in the last few years. The activities that we organize with them attract more children and parents to the library, as well as students and teachers for extracurricular activities. Is there anything more inspiring than a library full of kids who don't want to leave it?

Sneja provided constant support and inspiration for me. I already miss her and it will probably be like that for a long time. If I could talk to her now I would say: Thank you for trusting me, thank you that you never spared either praise or criticism, that you always found a way to help me and share my enthusiasm!