- The Commission will also be responsible for the implementation of the programme.
Public libraries in Saxony are to become important hubs of their communities by 2030, especially in rural areas. "They are places of concentrated work, education and further education, leisure activities, exchange and lively discussion," states a "perspective paper" developed by the Ministry of Culture together with practitioners, which was presented in Dresden. It defines ten fields of action, each with recommendations to support the institutions in their necessary further development. The addressees are also cities and municipalities as their carriers and the state library authority.
Culture Minister Barbara Klepsch (CDU) spoke of "an important impetus". Public libraries are "an incredibly important part of a functioning community", she said. According to the paper, they need a balanced mix of stationary, mobile, and digital information and media offerings to provide all generations with information. Local and regional cooperation is to help optimally use resources and further develop libraries as cultural, educational, and leisure centers.
There is a need for catch-up in technical equipment and personnel, according to the General Director of the Saxon State Library – State and University Library Dresden, Katrin Stump. "We want to improve in terms of accessibility, technical equipment, and personnel resources," said the chairwoman of the Saxon branch of the German Library Association, Aline Fiedler.
According to ministry figures, there are around 390 public libraries in larger cities and many smaller communities throughout the state, with a total of 5.5 million visits per year. "It's about nothing less than strengthening their social function as freely accessible media and information centers and indispensable cultural, educational, and leisure centers," it states.
- The "perspective paper" presented in Dresden emphasizes the role of public libraries in Saxony, specifically mentioning Dresden's State Library, as vital hubs for communities by 2030.
- In her speech, Culture Minister Barbara Klepsch highlighted the importance of Dresden's State Library, stating that it plays a crucial role in maintaining a functioning community.
