Maglaj Library Receives 5,000 Books So Far

Life in Maglaj is slowly returning to normal after the devastating floods that ravaged the town in the middle of last month. One of the public institutions that suffered significant damage is the General Library of Maglaj. As the director Nina Salkić told the BH news agency Patria, the book collection process is still ongoing, and they have received around 5,000 books so far, with new donations expected this week.

- We have been informed that a shipment will arrive from Bihać; the King Fahd Cultural Center will donate about 1,000 books, and we expect a shipment from Lukavac today. According to the information we received, we should also receive a donation of construction materials to help us renovate the premises. Then we will need to collect furniture and technical equipment – says Salkić.

She states that the book collection was organized at several points, but she does not yet know the exact number of books they might receive in the coming period. We remind you that around 28,000 books were damaged in the floods.

- With the support of people from all over BiH, the town is regaining its former appearance. The main city park, which was destroyed during the floods, has been renovated. Shop owners are slowly reopening their businesses, and life is returning. However, people who suffered significant damage in the floods have not yet returned to their homes. We are truly exhausted, and this has been going on for a long time – says Salkić.

Although there were many visits and great interest after the floods, the situation is a little different today.

- The arrival of representatives from the King Fahd Cultural Center and the cultural attaché of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in BiH has been announced. People come, they show interest, but I think the public's attention is generally waning. There are other towns that have also suffered – Salkić tells Patria.

Incidentally, the General Library of Maglaj is celebrating its 56th anniversary this year, and for the past 10 years, they have been organizing the cultural event "Mulabdić Days of Culture" in honor of the prominent BiH writer Edhem Mulabdić, who was born in Maglaj.