The Regional Library “Hristo Botev” – Vratsa, in partnership with the Dolj County Library “Alexandru and Aristia Aman” – Romania, has launched the joint cross-border project “Creativity and Artificial Intelligence in the Libraries of Vratsa and Dolj” – “Creativity & AI in Vratsa & Dolj Libraries” (CreAI-VDLib).
The project is implemented under the Interreg VI-A Romania–Bulgaria Programme 2021–2027 and is co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.
The main objective of the initiative is to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the activities of public libraries in Vratsa and Craiova. The project will enhance the digital skills of library professionals, develop new educational formats, and stimulate the creativity of children and young people aged 9 to 15.
The project promotes equal access to innovation and knowledge, modernizes library services, and establishes sustainable educational practices in the cross-border region.
The lead organization is the Regional Library “Hristo Botev” – Vratsa, Bulgaria, and the project is implemented in partnership with the Dolj County Library “Alexandru and Aristia Aman” – Romania. Associated partners include schools from Vratsa and Craiova that will participate in activities for children and youth. From Vratsa, these are Innovative Primary School “Vasil Levski” and Secondary School “Kozma Trichkov”. From Craiova, three institutions are involved: Școala Gimnazială “Sf. Dumitru”, Școala Gimnazială “Traian”, and Colegiul Național “Frații Buzești”.
The project duration is 18 months – from August 2025 to February 2027. Its total budget amounts to €397,517.49, of which €318,013.98 is provided by the European Regional Development Fund and €79,503.51 represents national co-financing.
Main project activities include:
- Training sessions for librarians on working with AI technologies and implementation of a virtual library assistant available 24/7;
- Creation and equipment of innovative learning spaces in both libraries;
- Organization of a “Creativity and AI Academy” for students, engaging them in experiments with technology, art, and creativity;
- Modernization of library websites and expansion of online services;
- Promotion of innovation and sharing of best practices;
- Organization of joint events for local communities in Vratsa and Craiova.
Expected results:
- Improved digital literacy among librarians and students;
- New educational formats accessible to children from minority and vulnerable groups;
- Introduction of modern library services through virtual assistants;
- Creation of sustainable conditions for future training and access to innovation in the cross-border region;
- Strengthened cooperation between libraries and schools in Bulgaria and Romania.
“Today, libraries are no longer just guardians of books—they are centers of knowledge, innovation, and cultural dialogue. With this project, we give librarians the opportunity to become educators and mediators in the world of new technologies, and young people the chance to connect with the future today. Artificial intelligence is both a challenge and an inspiration—it can be a tool for creativity, education, and personal development,” emphasized the Director of the Regional Library “Hristo Botev” – Vratsa, Silvia Pavlova.
Through this collaboration, ties between the two countries are strengthened, opportunities for exchanging best practices are created, and a shared space for education, culture, and digital innovation is established in the cross-border region.
The opening event was attended by the Regional Governor of Vratsa Region, Nikolay Nikolov; the Chairman of the Vratsa Municipal Council, Dr. Vladimir Hristov; the Deputy Mayor of Vratsa Municipality, Aleksandar Vladimirov; the Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Culture at the Municipal Council – Vratsa, Irina Ivanova; as well as representatives of the Bulgarian and Romanian partners.
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