Iustin Cionca: „The Library Palace has undergone its most extensive modernization since it was built in 1913.”

Arad County Council is carrying out one of the most significant heritage protection interventions in the Municipality of Arad as part of the extensive modernization project of the „A.D. Xenopol” County Library.

For the first time since the construction of the Cultural Palace in 1913, the building housing the library has been equipped with a comprehensive, state-of-the-art fire protection system. This is the most extensive fire safety project ever undertaken at a historic palace in the Municipality of Arad.

The intervention involved major investments and highly complex technical works, including the reconstruction of the water supply and sewage networks, the modernization of the water collection and pumping system, the rehabilitation of the fire hydrant network, and the creation of a dedicated access route for firefighting vehicles. In addition, through a project financed under Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), aimed at improving the building’s energy efficiency, the heating, electrical and plumbing systems were upgraded, the interior spaces were modernized, and two electric vehicle charging stations were installed. As a result, the Library Palace has undergone its most extensive modernization since it was built in 1913.

These works protect both the historic monument itself and the exceptional documentary heritage preserved within its walls.

The „A.D. Xenopol” County Library manages a collection of more than half a million volumes, including some of the most valuable rare books preserved in Romania. Its special collections comprise 24 incunabula and approximately 20,000 rare books printed between the 16th and 19th centuries.

The oldest incunabul preserved in Arad is a collection of theological texts by Johannes Duns Scotus, printed in Venice in 1481. Owing to its age and rarity, the volume is a cultural heritage asset of national importance.

„We are protecting one of Arad’s most important historic buildings while also safeguarding the cultural memory of our county. Since the construction of the Library Palace in 1913, no project of this scale has ever been carried out to improve its fire safety. This is not simply about pipes, hydrants or water reservoirs; it is an investment that protects more than half a million volumes and a rare book collection that is unique in Romania. We considered it our responsibility to preserve this heritage and pass it on to future generations under the safest possible conditions,” said Iustin Cionca, President of the Arad County Council.

The modernization of the A.D. Xenopol County Library extends well beyond technical upgrades. The project also aims to restore the building’s interior elegance, adapt its spaces to the needs of today’s visitors, and create better conditions for research, reading and cultural activities.

„During this period, the library’s inner courtyard has been renovated, and work is continuing with the refurbishment of the reading room. It will be furnished with custom-made period-style furniture so that the new interior fully respects the architecture and historic character of the Cultural Palace. Our goal is to offer visitors an elegant, comfortable and functional space where this remarkable heritage is enhanced by excellent conditions for reading and research,” said Ionel Bulbuc, Director of the „A.D. Xenopol” County Library in Arad.

The works carried out at the Cultural Palace represent an investment in safety, heritage preservation and education. Through this project, the Arad County Council seeks to protect one of the city’s landmark buildings, showcase the outstanding collections of the „A.D. Xenopol” Library, and provide the people of Arad with a modern, safe cultural space worthy of the exceptional documentary heritage it houses.