The exhibition of the Regional Library “Lyuben Karavelov” – Ruse “Ex libris – from a sign of ownership to a sign of individuality” can be visited from 19th to 26th May 2025 in the central foyer of the Rectorate.

The opening of the exhibition was attended by the Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” Prof. Dr. Georgi Valchev, the Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Sonia Mileva, the Director of the University Library Assoc. Prof. Bilyana Yavrukova, the Director of the Regional Library “Lyuben Karavelov” – Ruse Ms. Teodora Evtimova, librarians from colaborating libraries and guests.

Opening the event, the Rector of Sofia University stated that, on the eve of May the 24th, the exhibition is of utmost importance, because it shows an age-old art, related to the book; its role and importance in the intellectual development of the world. Prof. Georgi Valchev highlighted his satisfaction with the cooperation between the University Library and the Regional Library – Ruse, because it is the right way of standing up for causes – joining efforts and pooling resources.

Assoc. Prof. Bilyana Yavrukova talked about the history of the ex-libris, which, along with the development of printing and technology, became a work of art that reveals not only the occupation and interests of its owner, but also his soul.

Ms. Teodora Evtimova thanked the Rector of Sofia University and the Director of the University Library for their assistance in organizing the exhibition and presented the history of the international competition for ex-libris, organized annually since 2005. The Director of the Library pointed out that the exhibition features the most representative part of the ex-libris collection of the Regional Library “Lyuben Karavelov” – Ruse. According to the organisers of the exhibition, the messages of the works underline the relationship between the writers/authors, the books, the readers and the audience, who are carried away by the magic of the exquisite drawings.