On National Culture Day, the courtyard of the "Marin Preda" Theoretical High School in Odorheiu Secuiesc was full of excitement and anticipation. In a room illuminated by colorful posters and smiling students, the book „Biblioteca Fermecată” - "The Enchanted Library", a volume of stories written by young people for children, published with the support of the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania, was launched.
The project started from a simple idea, proposed by Romanian language teacher Andreea Tidor: high school students should write stories for primary school pupils. It was a challenge that turned into an exercise in collective creativity. For months, they wrote, drew, rewrote and today, during the launch, they held their own book in their hands.
"The Enchanted Library" is not a classic anthology. It is a book in which fantasy and humor are mixed with observations about today's world, a natural blend of innocence and reflection, signed by teenagers who understand that literature can be a form of generosity. The book is dedicated to primary school children, who are discovering the joy of reading for the first time.
The launch took place immediately after an artistic moment dedicated to Mihai Eminescu and Ion Creangă, performed by the students. Scenes inspired by the life and work of the two friends in Romanian literature were followed by a surprise prepared by the teacher: each pupil received a copy of the book they had contributed to.
"It's a strange feeling to see yourself printed. It's like becoming part of a story bigger than yourself," said one of the authors, with a smile that said more than words.
After the launch, the students performed a recital of poems by Mihai Eminescu, translated into several languages. In Harghita, a region where languages and traditions are intertwined on a daily basis, this gesture had the value of a message: culture can be common ground.
The "Marin Preda" High School is recognized in the county for its educational standards and cultural projects that go beyond the school. The name of the institution was not chosen by chance: the writer Marin Preda lived in the area for a while, and his realistic and courageous spirit is still reflected today in the initiatives of the teachers.
The event in Odorheiu Secuiesc was a celebration of living culture, not the one closed between the covers. The book "The Enchanted Library" is proof that education can become creation and that young people can be authors, not just readers.
As a sign of cultural continuity, the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania is also marking National Culture Day on January 15 by broadcasting the performance "Eminescu, the builder of the Romanian Language". The production, directed by Ruxandra Bălașu and starring Marius Bodochi, will be available from 6 p.m. on the Foundation's YouTube channel and Facebook page.
The performance re-enacts the poet's life in a modern form, designed for young audiences, and brings the idea of cultural identity to the forefront through language, emotion and reflection.
