The Foreign Languages Center, on-line with USA

The pupils from the English Club talked with an American by computer

The coordinator of the Foreign Language Center, Anamaria Cătănoiu, prepared a surprise for the children who attend the English Club. They participated last night at a video conference with one of the main book donators, who lives in the United States of America, the American John Korst. The pupils from many schools in Focsani, between 10 and 12 years old, had the chance to talk with the American. Even if they were very nervous, they asked him things about him and America and he gave them all the answers.

 

Because the children don’t know English very well, the volunteer teacher of the center, Ionelia Bobaru, helped them with the headmaster of the Kindergarten no. 15, Alina Badiu, who was very thrilled about this activity. Anamaria Cătănoiu affirms that such kind of on-line video conference was organized with John for the first time and she would like these activities to become something usual, because the pupils were very happy that they had the opportunity to talk with an American. ”I provided them a surprise, but it was a test and a pilot class at the same time. We wanted to see how the children react, if they like the idea, because we want to do in the future these kinds of activities on different educational themes with John.”, Anamaria Cătănoiu told us.

Article written by Anamaria Cătănoiu – coordinator Foreign Language Center

Translated by Liviu Dîrdală - volunteer

The Library=Home with Volunteer Santa Claus

Warm and friendly atmosphere today at the Foreign Language Center of the Vrancea Library. Volunteer Santa Claus came with many presents as announced and he enjoyed the openhearted appreciations and congratulations of the people who came, young and old, to get the presents.

Children, pupils, parents, teachers, volunteers, and readers were all thrilled when they saw the beautiful paintings on the wall, on canvas and polystyrene, made by Viorica Pricope from the Imitative Arts High School in Focsani. The artwork gave the Foreign Languge Center a more intimate atmosphere so those who enter it feel more at home. Also, to beautify the house, Titi Florentin Leica painted pictures in oil, the most recent work, Taj Mahal, which opened the series of paintings on the theme of cosmopolitanism which the Center promotes. The launch of the fairy tales book, the bilingual edition French-Romanian, written by the teacher Mihaela Fetcu, had the same success, being appreciated and bought by those present.

The other two Santa Clauses enjoyed the appreciations and the sale, but weren’t present to give away their creations: Maricela Boldaşu, from Imitative Arts in Focsani, who made ear-rings and jewelry from all kinds of materials and Melania Grozavu, who made Christmas furnishings, crowns and natural table arrangements, to the great joy of the ones who wanted to give a Christmas gift.

The very affordable prices of the gifts made the shopping windows empty. For those who want something more, there are still in Santa’s bag, at the Foreign Language Center’s building some small presents which are waiting to be given to the loved ones.

Finally, the children of two members from the English Club for the Foreign Language Center, Irina Leica and Alexandra Hrubaru, overcame their flutters and caroled the audience with Felice Navidad.

Santa's symbolic toy bag was labeled „E-news from Home! At this e-mail address”, and Santa invited all of them to give their name and e-mail address to be permanently informed about the activities of Vrancea County Library and The Foreign Language Center. Tudorel Bezea, volunteer from the Center, from the sociaty MAUX DESIGN Focsani, is taking care of the realization and administration of the database.

Besides the five Santas, who are all voluntary workers of the Foreign Language Center, there were other volunteers who contributed to make today’s meeting to be possible, who put their best foot forward in all they have done. All the present ones were rewarded with something sweet from Santa, apples and nuts, like the Christmas tradition of Romanian people.
The Foreign Language Center received presents from Santa Claus, too. Collaborators, sponsors and donators wanted to give presents for the whole community through the agency of the Library: new furniture from Neoset, a Christmas tree and globes from the volunteer mother, Dana Şerbu, a new computer from Razvan Mustea and a wireless router from RDS Brand.

Mass-media from Vrancea endorsed the promotion of the Foreign Language Center among the community of the all activities and services, like the Scorpion company from Focsani.
Us, and you, our dear readers, The Library from Vrancea and The Foreign Language Center address you the warmest thanks from the soul.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We’re waiting eagerly at your other home!

Article written by Anamaria Cătănoiu – coordinator Foreign Language Center

Translated by Liviu Dîrdală - volunteer

Conversation Guides in Chinese and Japanese at the Foreign Language Centre

A new book purchase is already on the shelves of the Foreign Language Center. Some of the titles available and the much awaited conversation guides for Chinese and Japanese. 

Following the massive requests from the readers regarding the study and learning of foreign languages, the Foreign Language Centre stuff has placed on the priority list the acquisition of books regarding this theme.

      In this way 105 new titles in Romanian, English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Latin, Portuguese, etc. have been classified urgently and have already been placed on the shelves of the Centre, ready for use. It’s about grammar and about the study of foreign languages using CD’s and dictionaries (as well as Oxford and MacMillan illustrated with CD’s), conversation guides, manuals for the study of a specific field language, tests and exercises, books and dictionaries for children, guides for those that want to emigrate to Canada with the necessary vocabulary, the language used in public institutions for those that work and live in Italy and Spain or intend to do this in various industries, English in business and model contracts, practical correspondence in Italian and English, and many other titles which adapt to your real needs and those of your community.

    Among the new acquisitions, one can find the well awaited conversation guides in Chinese and Japanese as well as manuals for the study of the Japanese language accompanied by a CD.

“There have been at least ten requests for these guides and study manuals from students as well as from youngsters and adults. Many say they want clubs for the study of the languages and have given us something to think about.  It’s a challenge and for us this means we have to see what we can do in regards to it, if we find volunteers. From those that have requested such guides, some of them are already trying to learn at home.”

These guides are accompanied by guides in Norwegian, Esperanto, Greek, Hebraic, Finnish, Bulgarian, Hungarian, Turkish, Check, Portuguese, Serbian, with or without a CD. (Anamaria Cătănoiu – Coord. Foreign Language Center)

Article written by Anamaria Cătănoiu

Translated by Mihaela Hăican - volunteer

A gendarme opening at Foreign Language Center a painting exhibition

He learned to paint on his own and did so secretly because his parents did not agree. It is the truth that young Florentin Titi Leica, 31 years, a 112 operator in the Vrancea County Gendarmery, got used to. He found the courage just now, after years of painting in secret, to exhibit his work for the first time in the lobby of the Foreign Language Center ​​of the County Library.

His parents wanted their son to become a draftsman, to earn more, but Florentin Titi Leica wanted to become a painter and taught himself. Painting is a hobby that he practices in his spare time and he is self-taught. His painting are reproductions of images that he likes, landscapes, still life, nudes, portraits, icons, all on canvas, in oil, in various sizes and shades. 

Although it is his first exhibition he didn't invite his parents, but promised to make them a surprise next days. "My father considered the profession of a draftsman more lucrative, but I liked painting more," says the young painter. The opening of the exhibition was attended by colleagues from the Inspectorate of Gendarmery. Many of them have found out now that he paints. "We want to show you that beyond wearing the uniform of a constable, our colleague can take brush in hand and does pretty well," said Lt. Hunea Sorin, spokesman for the Vrancea Inspectorate of Gendarmery. (Aurelian Ivan - Radio DADA)

Today’s debut was a success. He exhibited 22 works and has already sold 6. He has orders that he will have to honor in a short time. At the exhibition, he was supported by his colleagues of the constabulary who bought the works. His exhibition will remain permanently at the Foreign Language Center. Interested persons who wish to purchase can choose between pieces on display or can come with personal preferences.

Leica has become the newest Volunteer of the Foreign Languages​ Center​, agreeing to collaborate to decorate the center with custom paintings that will adorn all the rooms. It will be the largest permanent exhibition of his personal collection and is for sale. It will include works that will correspond to ideas of diversity and multiculturalism that characterize the Foreign Language Center.

"The Foreign Language Center is proud that he managed to attract valuable volunteers and collaborators, to support the young artists who have talent but aren't encouraged and supported. Today's exhibition was a success on many levels." (Anamaria Cătănoiu - Coordinating Foreign Language Center​​)

Article written by Anamaria Cătănoiu – coordinator Foreign Language Center

Translated by Olga Unguru - volunteer

A master graduate in the U.S. donates books to the County Library's Foreign Language Center

A young man who graduated this summer from the University Greek Orthodox School of Theology Holycross, USA, donated 35 books to the Foreign Language Centre County Library "Duiliu Zamfirescu" Vrancea.

Marinel Marcu Laurentiu donated 28 copies in French that include textbooks and courses of French language and grammar, maths, geography, natural sciences, biology, history and reading.  They were published in France by renowned publishers such as Hachette, among the 28 copies being an anthology of texts and three books that review philosophical theology, including the New Testament.
The copies are in very good physical condition and content is really one of quality information. Three of the books donated are of English literature and are of value because of the years of publication, the old books from 1903, 1904 and 1934 respectively and quality printing paper," says Anamaria Cătănoiu, coordinator of the Center Foreign Languages.
In turn, Marcu said he made the donation "because I hope to be useful to those who need such books."

Traian Negulescu – AGERPRES
Article translated by Tuvene Ioana - volunteer

Librarians require readers’ help

Representatives of the Foreign Language Center at the County Library want to be as close to citizens as possible. "The library belongs to as all! Get involved!" is the motto by which librarians will attract visitors, readers, regardless of age.

Head of the Foreign Languages Center, Anamaria Catanoiu, said that more language clubs would be set up and educational programs will be developed. For all these to have the desired results, the community must be involved to come up with ideas and suggestions to improve the Center’s services. "Any help is welcome, or financial or material support and donations of books, attesting to the fact that the Romanian community begins to attribute the library the role that Western civilization has assigned these institutions," concluded Anamaria Catanoiu.
The Foreign Language Centre runs educational activities for about 6 months. The institution interior design was made with the help of volunteers who understand the role of the library in the community and wanted to get involved. "Volunteers have helped us enormously; students at the School of Arts came to paint the walls with cultural symbols of the world. In turn, representatives of the library try to support the community through various cultural activities and thus provide an alternative education that assists all age groups, "said Anamaria Catanoiu.
Last week, 16 students from the Technical College "Edmond Nicolau", accompanied by a teacher of French, visited the center and helped librarians with routine chores.

An article by: Marina Gianina-Neacsu
Monitorul de Vrancea
nr. 1784 din Vineri, 10 October 2008

Article translated by Tuvene Ioana - volunteer

Romanians check out Rutland library

Group on tour of U.S.
BY ERIK RADVON ERADVON@HOLDENLANDMARK.COM

Romanian visitor Anamaria Catanoiu (left) and tour guide Bruno Blumenfeld talk shop with head librarian Kerry Remington. Brittany Durgin photo



The Rutland Library was transformed into a miniature United Nations last week when it hosted five librarians from Romania. The group is in the U.S. as part of a State Department-sponsored trip. While in town, the visitors toured the library's facilities, took copious photographs, and talked shop with head librarian Kerry Remington.

"We are rebels," Remington told the group. "We librarians are often the rebels in society. If there isn't something on our shelves that offends somebody, we are not doing our job properly," to which her guests nodded knowingly.

The specter of thought policing that keeps American librarians like Remington constantly vigilant was a hard-lived reality for the Romanian people. The country was occupied by the Soviet Union during World War II and ruled by a harsh Communist regime from 1947-1989. During those years, many books were censored or banned by a government that feared an educated populace.

"We have thousands of volumes that were censored by the government or kept separate from the general public. Certain books were for certain eyes only. Today, we are archiving those books, because maybe 20 years from now scholars will want to study them to get a picture of what the era was really like," said one of the librarians, Anamaria Catanoiu.

The visitors said that in the nearly 20 years since the collapse of the Soviet Empire, Romania has done much to embrace Western culture. English is studied and spoken by a large amount of the population. "American Corners" have sprung up in libraries around the country, hosting English-language discussion groups to foster fluency in what the visitors called the "language of the world."

The "American Corners" also offer books by John Grisham and Stephen King that are thumbed through with the same voracity as they are here in the States.

"Not only are American books read, but they are widely read. We had a waiting list for 'The Divinci Code,'" Catanoiu said.

The Romanians represented a wide swath of their country, with some from large urban libraries and others representing rural or suburban areas similar to Rutland.

As Remington and the group discussed their jobs, they seemed to find more commonalties than differences. Their conversation highlighted that people apparently steal books from libraries regardless of longitudinal location. One difference, though, was the Rutland library's use of volunteer staffers. The Romanians said that volunteerism is virtually nonexistent at their libraries and they are keen to start a program similar to Rutland's.

The aspect of the Rutland library that most impressed the group was the sheer number of donated books. The library's basement room, where town residents can routinely fill a bag with used books for $5, left the Romanians wide-eyed.

Upon walking into the room, one of the visitors immediately said, "I would like to buy a bag."

Remington refused to take the Romanian's money, insisting they take some books as a token of goodwill. The group then discussed the idea of making the Rutland library a "twin" library with a Romanian counterpart.

After leaving Rutland, the Romanian visitors headed off to view libraries in Austin, Texas and Seattle, Washington before returning to Europe.