This year, we proudly celebrate the 80th anniversary of the appointment of the first director of the National and University Library St. Clement of Ohrid, a cornerstone of Macedonia’s cultural and intellectual heritage.

Housing over three million books, documents, and manuscripts, the library is a living repository of knowledge and an irreplaceable pillar of Macedonian heritage. Recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as a multifaceted institution, it continues to serve as both a custodian of historical legacy and a dynamic force in promoting intellectual growth and cultural exchange.

Books, often described as the essence of life, are celebrated within the library’s walls. As President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova eloquently stated, the National and University Library is “a cosmos of ideas, a volcano of new knowledge, a beacon of intellect, and a heart of wisdom.”

The anniversary celebration was a vibrant homage to the library’s journey. Guests were captivated by a performance from the renowned ensemble „Tanec“ and the premiere of a video chronicling the institution’s history and milestones. An exhibition showcasing original documents, faithful replicas, and artifacts from the library’s past offered a fascinating glimpse into its evolution and enduring significance.

Director Jovica Nikchevski, reflecting on the occasion, affirmed the library’s unwavering role in Macedonian society:
“The National and University Library has been, and will remain, a loyal guardian of cultural heritage, an inexhaustible treasury of knowledge, and an endless source of inspiration for new scientific research.”

As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the library’s legacy and reaffirm our dedication to nurturing its mission in a free, sovereign, and independent Macedonia. The National and University Library St. Clement of Ohrid continues to inspire generations, standing as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge, culture, and wisdom.