The 11th Annual General Meeting of the South-East European National Library Directors (SEENL) was held in Ankara from October 16 to 18, 2024, hosted by the National Library of Türkiye, under the General Directorate of Libraries and Publications of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye. The meeting welcomed 11 representatives from the national libraries of Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, and Kosovo.

This year’s theme, “Accessible Library Services,” focused on the accessibility efforts and future plans of the member libraries. Taner Beyoğlu, General Director of Libraries and Publications, chaired the event, and the opening keynote was delivered by Dr. Marie-Louise Ayres FAHA, President of CDNL and Director General of the National Library of Australia, who highlighted the importance of accessibility in library services and the role of technology in reaching wider audiences. Also, presentations from Türkiye, Croatia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia emphasized digital transformation projects aimed at improving accessibility.

Participants visited the National Library of Türkiye, explored its services, and viewed the “In the Footsteps of Time: The Balkans” exhibition. A brief cultural tour of Ankara followed, showcasing the city’s rich heritage.

In his closing remarks, Taner Beyoğlu emphasized the strong connections forged between the participating countries and expressed his hope for continued and enhanced collaboration in the future. He also presented participants with certificates of appreciation.

By hosting this prestigious meeting, the National Library of Türkiye has further strengthened cultural and professional cooperation among the South-East European countries.

For more information about the event and to access the presentations, please visit the official SEENL 2024 website: https://seenl2024.ktb.gov.tr/ .