The Importance of Public Libraries in the Processes of Emancipation and Empowerment of Women, as Exemplified by the Work of Muslim Public Library in Mostar Between 1936 and 1941

Abstract

In the first half of the 20th century, it was precisely the public libraries and reading rooms that have played an extremely important role in the processes of promoting progressive ideas and educating wide sections of society. Through their work these libraries have contributed to creating preconditions for the entire social and cultural transformation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s society. Among other things, public libraries have been important actors in the processes of women’s empowerment, emancipation and education, and their reading rooms were often the only public space for sharing experiences and participating in socially beneficial activities. This paper presents activities that took place within the Muslim Public Library in Mostar from 1936 to 1941, enabling women not only to complete analphabetic courses but also to participate in the training and education of other women. Their engagement in the library has led many of them to become members of the anti-fascist resistance movement during the war and actively participate in the processes of post-war reconstruction and the building of a modern society of Bosnia and Herzegovina.