EU Green Capital Valencia will host 2024 edition of European Urban Resilience Forum
Crucial aspects of resilience, sustainable development and recovery will be under the thematic spotlight
If the readers won't come to the library, the library must go to the readers, Source: Pencho Slaveikov Regional Library
The cargo bikes are gaining momentum in European cities in a push for sustainability
BiblioBike - this is the name of the newest service offered by the regional library Pencho Slaveikov in Bulgaria’s seaside port of Varna. The innovative approach is meant to make reading physical books more accessible and bring it closer to those readers who might have difficulties to reach the public building.
In particular, the service targets mothers with children and the elderly living in remote areas, but it can also prove helpful to those with physical impairments. The service is also an example of putting sustainable public transport in service of traditional institutions.
BiblioBike will be available seasonally, during the months of April to November, depending on weather conditions. To get their books, readers need to order them digitally through the e-catalogue of Pencho Slaveikov Library.
The books are then delivered by cargo bike according to a pre-determined schedule at three “biblio points” – locations across Varna. The points have been selected minding the available bike infrastructure in Bulgaria’s so-called “seaside capital”. All three locations are conveniently located in nice public areas such as parks, that are frequented by mothers with toddlers and are also appreciated by the elderly.
The effort is part of a continuous sustainability effort of the library, which started back in 2008, when the digital library was introduced. As of recently, the readers can also get their reservation confirmation by email, rather than on paper.
Two years ago, the regional library also introduced another accessibility service. As of 2022, it offers the possibility to borrow books outside working hours by reserving them online and reclaiming them in lockers, which are available 24/7.
The city was concerned about street noise and disturbances to residents
This, however, is likely to change soon
Crucial aspects of resilience, sustainable development and recovery will be under the thematic spotlight
This is city twinning for the 21st century
You can find it in the capital Sofia, where it was installed upon the initiative of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
People in both cities got to sit together both in person and virtually
The city was concerned about street noise and disturbances to residents
And the current administration plans to make Jardin del Turia Europe’s largest city green space by extending it to the sea
The aim is to have the public be able to admire the architectural design without distractions
The installation has been thought out with the concept of letting people “talk” to their dearly departed
It’s an urban space that has undergone several large-scale transformations throughout its existence
A US geologist claims to have solved the centuries-old mystery
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team