The Regional Directorate for Culture, through the Regional Public Libraries, marks the International Library Day Wednesday, July 1, with the organisation of several initiatives. 

The Luís da Silva Ribeiro Public Library and Regional Archive in Angra do Heroísmo promotes an online debate moderated by Andreia Fernandes, a journalism graduate, that will address the theme “The New World of Libraries.” The debate will feature the participation of Susana Goulart Costa, Regional Directorate for Culture; Madalena San-Bento, director of Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archive; Cláudia Cardoso, director of Luís da Silva Ribeiro Public Library and Regional Archive; Luís São Bento, director of João José da Graça Public Library and Regional Archive; Miguel Mimoso Correia, senior technician at the Special Collections Service of the National Library of Portugal; Renata Correia Botelho, writer, and Rita Martelo Leite, student and youtuber. 

This will be the first initiative in video conferencing format organised by the Angra do Heroísmo Library with the aim proving the idea that the "new world" requires some changes. 

In Ponta Delgada, the International Library Day will be marked by the Public Library in two moments. The first is the opening of a book exchange box on July 1 and the second will be an outdoor concert titled “Singing your Awakening” by the São José Choir on Friday night, July 3. 

In this event, the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archive offers 30 minutes of musical themes inspired by the Azores and the courage to begin a new cycle that will be performed from the library terrace by the S. José Choir, inviting the public to attend the concert at the Colégio garden. 

In turn, the João José da Graça Public Library and Regional Archive in Horta promotes a virtual tour to the various spaces of the institution on July 1, through the library's website.
 
The International Library Day aims to highlight the importance of reading in the education and training of people. In this context, libraries are, according to the UNESCO Manifesto on public libraries, a local access gateway to key knowledge on the cultural development of individuals and social groups. 

The Regional Directorate for Culture informs that this and other events may be consulted in the Cultural Agenda of CulturAçores Portal at www.culturacores.azores.gov.pt.