Memory from Tsvetelina Voycheva, librarian

American Center at the Regional Library "Pencho Slaveykov" – Varna

People and events appear in our lives, without that live cannot be fully experienced and we would not be ourselves as people and personalities. This is how we develop and declare to the world that we exist.

Thanks to Sneja's efforts and the support of the US Embassy in Bulgaria, it is an honour and pleasure to be a part of the system of the American centers in Bulgaria since 2008. I have been working in the first American center established in our country in 2004 at the Regional Library "Pencho Slaveykov" - Varna, which is still the most modern and ergonomically equipped place in the library. The American reading room attracts everyone who is interested in American history, culture, art, literature and language. It is a recognized place among the local community and has a different profile of users - professionals, students, pupils, children. This is the place in the library where the most modern and innovative library practices and approaches are applied on.

I love my profession, but despite the difficulties Sneja inspired me and motivated me to stay and continue my service to the readers, to be a part of the world of books, culture, information, education, and to create a vision for the libraries of tomorrow. Sneja’s enthusiasm and idealism were captivating and inspired confidence and hope, that every effort is worthwhile and makes sense.
There are few people I can define for myself as life-long mentors and Sneja is one of them. I don't know anyone so dedicated to the profession, with such sense of duty, responsibility and justice. My meetings with her gave me a lot of knowledge and experience about what a working model of a library should be. She demonstrated that respect for those involved in this hard work in the service of others is crucial. I hope that Bulgarian libraries will continue to develop the most successful approaches, like the ones I learned about at the American Library Association conference in New Orleans in 2011. This experience will always be a part of me as a person and a professional. The opportunities to exchange ideas, knowledge and experience between colleagues is the driving force of change.

It is impossible to talk and write about Sneja in the past tense. She is with us and her work will continue through our efforts to preserve and pass on what we started, to be professionals, but also people who help, respect, support, who are responsible, disciplined, knowledgeable, able…

Dear Sneje,

Thanks!