A Chinese Professional Delegation Visits the National Széchényi Library

 

On 22 September 2026, the National Széchényi Library hosted a five-member professional delegation from the China Academy of Press and Publication (CAPP). The meeting focused on the current situation and future of the Hungarian library system, the promotion of reading, state funding for libraries, and professional cooperation between Hungary and China.

 

 

The professional programme opened with a presentation by Judit Gerencsér, Acting Director General of the National Széchényi Library. She introduced the current state of Hungarian libraries and outlined the key objectives for the coming period. She also highlighted professional relations between Hungary and China and the importance of close cooperation between the two countries.

 

This was followed by a detailed presentation by Tamara Bajnok, Head of the Library Quality Development Department at the Library Institute, who shared the experiences and outcomes of the Library Challenge programme. She presented the statistical results and impact of the programme, as well as the positive changes it has brought about in the participating libraries and their communities.

Norbert Rostás, a staff member of the Department of Libraries and Archives at the Ministry of Social Relations and Culture, provided an overview of state funding for Hungarian libraries, outlining the main characteristics of the national funding system.

The presentations were followed by a professional discussion and a question-and-answer session. The guests then toured the facilities of the National Library, accompanied by István Elbe, a member of the Collection Development and Registration Department.

As the final stop of the visit, the delegation also had the opportunity to learn about the work of the National Széchényi Library's Digitisation Centre. Its operations and professional activities were presented by Gábor Klinger, Head of the Digitisation Department.