Arad County's cultural landscape is undergoing a profound, and often painful transformation in rural areas, marked by the decline of communal libraries that once served as key sources of information for local communities. Most of these institutions have closed over the past decades, unable, with just few exceptions, to withstand the pressures of the digital era and tightening local budgets.

Whereas in the 1990s the county had more than 70 functioning libraries, today only about 20 remain open, with another ten currently being renovated or relocated.

Ionel Bulbuc, manager of the 'A.D. Xenopol' Arad County Library, told AGERPRES that efforts are underway to preserve these cultural spaces. 'In 1994, there were 74 libraries submitting annual activity reports. Now we have 30 reporting, of which 20 are physically open, while the other ten are in various stages of relocation or renovation,' Bulbuc said.

The County Library is trying to implement creative solutions, including the project 'Story Weaving', which brings writers, actors, literacy advocates and professional storytellers into public libraries to read to children. Launched in 2002, the project initially took place only at the County Library and in schools and kindergartens. It now rotates through libraries across the county.

'Since May last year, our partners have gathered large groups of children in public libraries through this project. The response from communities has been positive. Readers and library users are eager for information, interaction and novelty,' Bulbuc said.

* Local solutions: agricultural agent or EU funds adviser doubles as librarian

As the number of book borrowers has steadily declined, many rural mayors question whether maintaining a library is still sustainable. They acknowledge the cultural importance of libraries, but say they struggle to finance them amid the current austerity measures and staff cuts.

Few localities can afford a full-time librarian. In most cases, library duties have been assigned to other municipal employees. In Ignesti, for example, the agricultural agent also serves as librarian, opening the library 'on request', according to mayor Ioan Marinel Urs, who hopes that future computer equipment will attract young people.

In Hasmas, the librarian also handles civil registry duties. 'The library space at the Cultural Centre is being renovated. We have a book collection, but activity is suspended. Our librarian has other responsibilities because it's difficult to fund an additional salary with all these budget constraints,' says mayor Cornel Popa.

In Petris, the book collection no longer has official library status and is kept at the Town Hall, managed by an employee working as an EU funds adviser. 'Anyone who comes to the Town Hall can borrow a book. We used to have a library at the Cultural Centre, but that space is now used for classes while the school is being renovated,' mayor Ionel Gheorghe Berari explained.

In Macea, the librarian retired and hasn't been replaced. 'We will assign the duties to someone in the Town Hall. Anyway, the library is no longer what it used to be - only students sent by teachers still come. A full-time librarian would not be justified,' mayor Ciprian Otlacan said.

* The digital shift attracts young people

One example of successful adaptation is in Siria, home to one of the county's most beautiful libraries, both architecturally and in interior design. The library holds more than 12,000 Romanian and international titles, but its readers today are mostly students borrowing books required for school.

'Ten years ago, dozens of readers came each day. Now we see dozens per week, and they are all students,' librarian Mariana Popa told AGERPRES. She said easy access to online resources has driven both young people and adults away from printed books. 'The last two nostalgic adult readers stopped coming last year,' Popa added.

To survive, the library embraced digital tools, setting up a computer room with internet access - now its main attraction for young visitors.
'They come here to enjoy the digital space. Even though most have internet at home, some prefer to study or socialize here. We're glad to have them, because we know they leave with useful information and a positive influence,' she went on to say.

At the moment of reporting, all computers were occupied by students who had just finished school. Cristian said he comes mainly to borrow books assigned by his Romanian teacher, 'but also to play on the computer'. Mara said she uses the library mostly to research school projects online: 'Some books can't even be found in print anymore. It's faster to find them digitally'.

The Siria library also periodically hosts creative workshops and book launches to maintain its connection with the community. Mariana Popa believes the institution must remain a cultural space in service of the community, 'even if it needs to reinvent the ways it will carry its mission forward'. One idea under consideration to bring adults back is by offering digital skills courses. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Marian Buga; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)