More than just a library...
Wednesday, 6. May 2009, 19:12:50
Usually when I travel I try to dig a bit deeper and go under the skin of the places I visit. Last weekend I was trekking and sailing on Kornati islands and for two evenings I stayed in its biggest town, Sali. As I walked the town I spotted a small library.
And what a library that is! On a very small space (about 30-40m2, if you know what I mean) you have a fine book collection, a few computers, a nice telescope, a piano (that anyone can play), chess, plasma TV, two couches, some sofas, a copy machine, lot's of photos, paintings, prints... And everything is sooooo nicely arranged. It invites you to stop, think and have some itellectual fun, while it is not serious and repulsive (as most libraries) at all!
Soon it became clear why. The man behind it, Mr. Ante Mihić, must be the most amazing guy you will ever meet. His idea of a library is far wider than of most of us. It is not just a place to rent and read books, it is a cultural and intelectual center where people of all ages gather, discuss ideas, have fun, watch football, tell stories, make jokes, laugh and inspire each-other!
"Most libraries are open during the week when people are at work or in school. What's the point of that? Our library works sunday evenings when people have time and energy for leisure! People, not the schedule, are our top priority!", he said. How often do we forget that!? "Everyone is welcome to join our library here at Sali. We have members from all over the world!" Indeed, it took me less than a moment to feel at home there. That small place covered almost all of my academic and social interests at once.
Don't you wish you had such a library in your town?
And what a library that is! On a very small space (about 30-40m2, if you know what I mean) you have a fine book collection, a few computers, a nice telescope, a piano (that anyone can play), chess, plasma TV, two couches, some sofas, a copy machine, lot's of photos, paintings, prints... And everything is sooooo nicely arranged. It invites you to stop, think and have some itellectual fun, while it is not serious and repulsive (as most libraries) at all!
Soon it became clear why. The man behind it, Mr. Ante Mihić, must be the most amazing guy you will ever meet. His idea of a library is far wider than of most of us. It is not just a place to rent and read books, it is a cultural and intelectual center where people of all ages gather, discuss ideas, have fun, watch football, tell stories, make jokes, laugh and inspire each-other!
"Most libraries are open during the week when people are at work or in school. What's the point of that? Our library works sunday evenings when people have time and energy for leisure! People, not the schedule, are our top priority!", he said. How often do we forget that!? "Everyone is welcome to join our library here at Sali. We have members from all over the world!" Indeed, it took me less than a moment to feel at home there. That small place covered almost all of my academic and social interests at once.
Don't you wish you had such a library in your town?
WIDGETIZE