Ignite Talk

The public library Franc Ksaver Meško in Ormož, Slovenia, recognizes that migration is a constant factor in the development of human society, leading to multicultural, varied, and diverse communities. As the process of integrating immigrants and refugees occurs primarily at the local level, it is crucial to implement appropriate measures at this level. The librarians in Ormož feel a sense of responsibility towards their community and strive to contribute to a cohesive society by encouraging refugees to participate in local cultural and social events, providing them with opportunities to develop their talents, hobbies, and educational needs.

The Ormož Library and its partner organization, the Adult Education Centre Ormož, have created and developed a project as part of The Europe Challenge 2022: For Cultural Inclusion Without Borders and Restrictions. The library offers a variety of activities, such as creative workshops, literary evenings with Ukrainian authors, solo dancing classes, shadow puppet performances in Slovene and Ukrainian, language courses, Human Library event, poetry translating workshop, trench candles workshops, lectures on migration, while also providing necessary information and literature for approximately 30 Ukrainians. Through these examples of thoughtful and in-depth approaches, as well as the friendly and human actions of employees, volunteers, and supporters, the Ormož Library demonstrates that positive changes in the community are possible.

Host

Marijana Korotaj

Marijana Korotaj (1977) is a literary comparativist who graduated in 2004. She worked at the Ormož Youth Center for sixteen years, from 2005 to 2021. During this time, she served as the head of youth programs and established the center’s operation, vision, and guidelines. Additionally, she developed local youth work programs. From 2009 to 2014, she was the director of the youth center.  She collaborated with the library throughout her employment in the youth sector, acting as a moderator for literary events.  In 2016, Marijana began working half-time in the library and half-time in the youth center. Since 2021, Marijana has worked as a full-time librarian at the Franc Ksaver Meško Ormož Library. She focuses on library programs for adults and manages various projects.