Dear colleagues,

2021 marks the year in which I retire. I will be leaving the Swiss National Library for the last time on 30 June 2021.

The moment has therefore come for me to bid you farewell.

As both Vice Chair of CENL and a member of the Board of Directors, I have always found CENL meetings to be among the highlights of my professional year, marked by enriching professional exchanges but also genuine moments of relaxation and friendship.

I should like in particular to thank the Chair of CENL, Roly Keating, all the members of the Executive Committee, and the CENL Secretariat, for their tireless dedication and professionalism.

These two years of COVID have been a testing time for our institutions but have also presented new opportunities. I am very sorry that I have not been able to say goodbye to you all in person. Nevertheless, the many memories of our encounters and discussions will remain with me.

From 16 August, the Swiss National Library’s Director will be Damian Elsig.

Born in 1972, he holds a degree in contemporary history, economics and history of modern times from the University of Fribourg. He has been Director of the four sites that make up the Médiathèque Valais since 2009, and has also been deputy to the head of the Culture Department of the Canton of Valais since 2014. He served as Chair of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Libraries (CSBC) from 2010 to 2018.

With Damian Elsig as its Director, the Swiss National Library will be in safe hands.

Marie-Christine Doffey