Kosova Library Mission: IFLA/FAIFE report / April 2000 Annex 3 Overview of the Situation of the Public Libraries of Kosova

The municipality of Prishtina has 17 public libraries. The main library in City with about 58.475 books and 16 branch libraries: The Youth Palace, The commemorative library of the writer Hivzi Sulejmani, the library of "Përrallave"(Adventures), and in Llukar, Koliq, Hajvali, LapleSellë, Graçanicë, çadlavicë, Slivovë and Viti of Mareci with 108.541 books, a total of 167.016 books.

The flame of the Serbian ethnic war of cleansing also hit the libraries of this municipality. The Serbian "Black Hand" burned the library in Hade, also annihilated a number of books in the main library of Obiliq, and burned the libraries in Koliq and Viti of Mareci. The number of books burned is about 23.000.

Besides rebuilding of burned and damaged libraries, the main library needs a computer (With printer, modem etc), because the libraries of Kosova will have an Internet connection in the new year (year 2000).

The municipality of Kaçanik has 5 public libraries: The main library in Kaçanik with 20.461 books and the branch libraries in Degë Kaçanik, Stagovë, Doganaj and Glloboçicë with 30.694 books. In total the libraries of this municipality have 51.155 books. By coercive measure of Serbs, 530 books in the main library are damaged and exterminated, and the library in Glloboçica, which had 5.500 books, was thoroughly destroyed

Besides financing for rebuilding of the situation, this municipality also needs a computer with printer, modem etc for the main library in Kaçanik.

The municipality of Mitrovica has 7 public libraries with collections of 152.858 books. The main library of Mitrovica has collections of 111.546 books, while branch libraries have 41.312 books. The Serbian war also damaged the libraries of this municipality in Bare, Vllahi, Banjë and BL of Ibri with 27.061 books.

Beside financial needs for rebuilding of the situation, the main library in Mitrovica also needs a computer with a printer, modem etc.

The municipality of Podujeva had 14 public libraries with 143.067 books. The main library had 42.412 books, while 13 of it's branch libraries in the country had 100.655 books, but the fire of Serbian "Black Hand" burned 10 libraries of this municipality, including the main library, with 124.977 books. Therefore the municipality of Podujeva has now only three branches (very damaged) with 18.090 books.

Beside financial support (funds) for rebuilding these libraries, the main library of Podujeva also needs a computer with a printer, modem etc.

Before Serbian coercive measure the municipality of Gllogoci had 7 public libraries with 73.000 books. The main library had 12.000 books; while branches in Tërstenik, Komoran, Arllat, Sankoc Baicë and Gradicë had 61.000 books, but the war annihilated two libraries, the main library in Gllogoci and the branch library in Baicë, and damaged other branches with 66.468 books. The Serb forces killed the librarian Izet Elshani (48), father of 4 children, burned the library with 9.500 books, expelled his family by force and burned his house. Therefore the municipality of Gllogoci in fact only has one library with 6.532 books.

Beside financial needs for rebuilding of those libraries, the main library of Gllogoci also needs a computer with a printer, modem etc.

Before Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Vushtrria had 9 public libraries with 77.284 books. The main library had 34.049 books, while the branches in Maxhunaj, Dumnicë, Samadrexhë, Pantinë, Strofc, Duboc, Smrekonicë and Prelluzhë had 43.235 books. The Serbian war, which in this municipality was a fierce struggle, also hit the libraries of the municipality. Two libraries in Strofc and Duboc were burned by the flame of Serbian hand, while the libraries of Smrekonica and of Prelluzha were damaged. In this municipality 38.564 books and inventory were annihilated.

Beside financial needs for rebuilding of those libraries, the main library of Vushtrria also needs a computer with a printer, modem etc.

Before Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Skenderaj had 7 public libraries with 68.344 books. The main library had 20.253, while the branches in Likoc, Turizek, Runik, Klinë e Epërme and Prekaz i Epërme with 48.091 books. All the branches in the countryside were burned by the Serbian "Black Hand", but the main library in Skenderaj has except for some damage survived. As consequence all six branches with 48.091 books were burned in this municipality.

Beside financial needs for rebuilding libraries in country, the main library of Skenderaj also needs a computer with a printer, modem etc.

The municipality of Peja, before Serbian coercive measure (in 1990) had 6 public libraries with 87.212 books. The main library had 64.231, while 4 branch libraries in the countryside, Vitomiricë, Baran, Tërstenik, Zahaq and Gorazhdec had collections of 22.981 books.

Only the city library of Peja and that in Gorazhdec (which almost completely stocked Serbo-Croatian books) have survived.

In consequence 4 libraries with 20.171 books were annihilated.

Beside financial needs for rebuilding of the situation of those libraries, the main library of Peja also needs a computer with a printer, modem etc.

Before Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Gjilani, had 14 public libraries with 167.562 books. The main library had 73.016 books, while the branch libraries in Zhegër, Pogragjë, Bresalc, Përlepnicë, Pasjan, Koretisht, Partesh, Budrikë e Ulët, Dobërçan, Cërnicë, Malishevë, Llashticë and Shurdhan had 95.546 books.

Also in this municipality the war destroyed 5 libraries in Dobërçan, Cërnicë, Malishevë, Llashticë and Shurdhan. After the war the municipality of Gjilani has only 9 libraries with 116.832 books.

Beside financial needs for rebuilding of the situation for the libraries in the country, the main library needs a computer with a printer, modem etc to have Internet connection.

The libraries of this municipality are independent from the House of Culture and are working organisations of their own.

Before Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Kamenica (Gurashi) had 7 public libraries with about 56.769 books. The main library had 6.275 books, while the branch libraries in Strezoc, Tuxhec, Hogosh, Desivojcë, Karaçevë and Roganë had 56.769 books. It’s interesting to mention, that in this municipality the consequences of the Serbian war were lesser, therefore as the only municipality in Kosova, the books were not damaged and it is the only municipality, where the same number of libraries and books in the collections remain.

Before Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Vitia, had 4 public libraries with 34.528 books. The main library had 12.947 books, while the branch libraries in Pozharan, Radivojcë and Sllatinë had 21.581 books, but after the Serbian ethnic cleansing war all libraries in this municipality were damaged, both books, inventory and buildings. In consequence the libraries were damaged and 15.159 books destroyed, but they survived the total destruction, which occurred in many other municipalities of Kosova.

The main library of this municipality also needs a computer with modem, printer etc.

Before Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Deçani had 4 public libraries with 106.800 books, but in the war the Serbian "Black Hand" annihilated the library of Juniku and damaged other libraries of this municipality. Including the annihilated library of Juniku, which had 26.850 books, and number of books in other libraries, totally 90.500 books in the municipality of Deçani were annihilated, more than 90% of the total amount of books.

For this municipality incinerated by the Serbian flame, financial means to rebuild the situation and a computer for the main library with modem, printer etc. to have Internet connection are needed.

Before Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Ferizaj had 7 public libraries with 60.565 books. The main library had 30.913 books, while branches in Gaçkë, Kamogllavë, Talinoc të Muhaxherëve, Nerodime, Babush and Shtërpcë had 29.252 books, but after the war libraries and book collections including buildings and inventory were destroyed also in this municipality. In consequence this municipality now has only 5 libraries left with total amount of 26.352 books. Two libraries in Nerodime and Babush and 34.213 books were destroyed.

Also in this municipality are needed financials for rebuilding of the situation and a computer (With printer, modem etc.).

Before Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Malisheva had 5 public libraries with 40.800 books. The main library had 13.000 books, while the branch libraries in Kijevë, Bajë, Bellanicë and Lubizhdë had had 27.800 books. After the war the books were totally destroyed in this municipality, and now there are only 1096 books in the branch library of Kijeva, while the other libraries do not exist at all. This municipality is one of the most damaged municipalities concerning books, and financial help to immediately rebuild the libraries of this small municipality of Llapusha is urgently needed. Here everything has to start from the beginning; therefore it's needed in the short time to intervene for rebuilding of the situation.

For the main library of this municipality in Malisheva is needed a computer with modem, printer etc.

The municipality of Shtimja before beginning of Serbian war had only the municipality library, which served as both main library and branch with 7106 books. The librarian was Serbian and the books were mostly in Serbo-Croatian. After the librarian had disappeared those books, which were left, were burned and totally destroyed. In consequence the municipality of Shtimja has no library at all.

The Municipality administration and the Society Helping Foundation should consider to reconstruct the main library and to open its branches in the countryside.

Also the main library of this municipality needs a computer with modem, printer etc.

Before Serbian coercive measure on September 1992, the municipality of Klina had six libraries with 48.640 books. The main library had 17.980 books, while branches in Ujmirë, Jashanicë Drenoc, Zllakuqan and Jagodë had 30.760 books).

In the time of the Serbian coercive measure 5 libraries in the countryside were closed and all books with the inventory were moved to the main library of Klina, where the books were destroyed, the inventory sold and the employees fired. Some trucks with Albanian books were sent to the paper factory of Lipjan. In the countryside the books were annihilated, while the books in main library of Klina were very damaged. In this municipality 5 branch libraries were annihilated with total amount of 30.760 books while in the main library 2.980 books are damaged.

Financials are needed for this municipality to rebuild the situation and a computer with printer, modem etc. for its main library.

Before Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Istog had 5 public libraries with total amount of 48.070 books. The main library had 29.440 books, while branches in Vrellë, Banjë, Gurrakoc and Rakosh had 18.630 books. During the Serbian ethnic cleansing war, books of this municipality also suffered a lot of damages. The Serbian "Black Hand" annihilated two libraries in Rakosh and Vrellë and damaged books and inventory in other libraries. Totally 26.990 books were annihilated in this municipality.

Also in this municipality financials are needed to rebuild the situation and a computer with printer, modem etc. for the main library.

Before the Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Prizren, had 7 public libraries with a total amount of 82.293 books. The main library in Prizren had 54.462 books, while branches in Velezhë, Zhur, Sredskë, Lubizhdë, Mamush and Zhur had 27.831 books. Despite that Prizren was in war, its libraries have fortunately survived from annihilation. But the bout the stockings of the libraries of Zhur, Zym and Mamush were moved to the main library and they are not yet working. For this matter a talk is needed with the leaders of the House of Culture and the main library in Prizren.

The main library of Prizren needs a computer with printer, modem etc.

Before Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Gjakova had 7 public libraries with a total amount of 105.443 books. The main library had 42.193 books, while departments in Skivjan, Rogovë, Biztazhin, Ponoshec, Brekoc and Cërmjanë had 63.250 books. The Serbian ethnic cleansing war made a lot of damages in this municipality including the books.

Today Gjakova has only 5 libraries with a total amount of 83.061 books. The Serbian "Black Hand" annihilated 2 branch libraries in Cërmjan and Brekoc and damaged books of other libraries in a quantity of 22.382 books.

In this municipality financials are needed to rebuild the situation as well as a computer with printer, modem etc. for the city library.

Before Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Lipjan had 11 public libraries with a total amount of 82.971 books. The main library had 23.000 books, while branches in Janjevë, Magurë, Shalë, Gadime, Pjetërshticë, Dobrajë e Madhe, Ribar i Madh, Banullë, Gushtericë and Lepinë had 59.971 books. During the war also the stock of books in this municipality suffered a lot of destruction.

In the main library only 6.500 books are left, while in the branches 38.485 remain. 37.985 books were annihilated. Therefore funding is needed to buy books and to rebuild the situation in all.

Also the main library of this municipality needs a computer with printer, modem etc.

Before Serbian coercive measure the municipality of Suhareka had 6 public libraries with a total amount of books 43.500. The main library had 15.000 books, while its branches in Bukosh, Mushtisht, Mohlan, Studençan and Nishor had 28.500 books.

During the war also the libraries of this municipality suffered a lot of damages. Two branch libraries in Bukosh and Studençan with 14.700 books were burned by the Serbian "Black Hand". During the war 31.100 books were annihilated in this municipality.

Besides funding for the rebuilding of the situation of the libraries in this municipality, a computer with modem, printer etc for the main library is needed.

Before Serbian coercive measure, the municipality of Dragash had 7 public libraries with a total amount of 52.300 books. The main library had 14.600 books, while departments in Brod, Kurshevë, Brezne, Bellobrad, Bresanë and Blaqë had 37.700 books.

Fortunately during Serbian coercive measure the stock of books was not damaged, and is the only municipality where the stock of books is intact.

Therefore after the war the municipality of Dragash has 7 libraries with a total amount of 52.300 books.

Also for the main library of this municipality a computer with printer, modem etc. is needed.

Before Serbian coercive measure the municipality of Rahovec had 4 public libraries with a total amount of 49.106 books. The main library had 15.320 books, while branches in Ratkoc, Krushë të Madhe, Xërxë and Hoç të Madhe had 33.786 books, but the Serbian war of ethnic cleansing also annihilated the library net and the stocks of books of this municipality.

In consequence the main library of Rahovec today has only 1.200 books in Serbo-Croatian, while the branches are totally burned.

Therefore financials are needed for this municipality for rebuilding of the situation and for a computer to have Internet connection.

The municipality is managed by Serbs so the stocks of books are the same before and after the war.

They have 3 libraries with 22.215 books. The main library has 11.366 books, while branches in Leshak, Vraçevë and Soçanicë have 10.849 books, that is in total the situation as before the war.

Now we don't have contact to this municipality, because it is in the other side of bridge of the river Ibri of Mitrovica, which is still under the Serbs. The KFOR forces still have not solved the problem.

Also in this municipality a computer is needed.

Before Serbian coercive measure the municipality of Fushë-Kosova had 4 public libraries with a total amount of 49.250 books. The main library had 19.500 books, while branch libraries in Bardh i Madh, Sllatinë ... held 29.750 books, but during the war the Serbian "Black Hand" annihilated 13.500 books, that is the library of Bardh i Madh doesn't exist at all. Also the libraries in Fushë-Kosovë and Sllatinë are damaged.

A computer for the main library of this municipality is also needed.

Prishtina

9-10 November 1999 

The members of commission:

1. Jetish Kadishani ______________

2. Qazim Durmishi ______________

3. Belkize Jaka ______________

4. Bedri Gashi ______________

5. Seb Rodiqi ______________

6. Fadil Bajraj ______________

Prishtina The main service

November 10 1999