Corvinus Library receives the “Certified Library” award
This year, the “Certified Library” title was awarded to the University Library of Corvinus University of Budapest, the Sándor Petőfi City Library in Kiskunfélegyháza, and the Ferenc II Rákóczi Library in Miskolc. The Library Quality Award went to the University Library and Archives of Széchenyi István University in Győr, the Béla Hamvas Pest County Library in Szentendre, the Cultural Centre and Library of Tiszaújváros, the Imre Solymár City Library in Bonyhád, and the Dániel Berzsenyi Library in Szombathely.
Máté Vincze, Deputy State Secretary responsible for public collections and cultural development, recalled that the two most prestigious awards in the library sector were established in 2010. Since then, 78 Certified Library titles and 11 Library Quality Awards have been granted to 63 different institutions. He explained that the “Certified Library” title recognises institutions that serve as exemplary models in promoting reading and organising community activities, while the Library Quality Award can be won by an institution that develops and operates model services in its professional work. He added that the aim of the awards is for the library system to function not only as a follower, but as an initiative-taking, exemplary institution.
“Today we shine a spotlight on work that is not showy, yet fundamentally shapes the future of a community, a settlement and a country,” he said, adding that these awards send a message that quality, innovation and commitment matter.
He emphasised that the goal of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation is to strengthen these institutions so they can continue to provide high-quality, engaging and accessible cultural services for everyone, within Hungary and beyond its borders.
Dávid Rózsa, Director-General of the National Széchényi Library, said that on Hungarian Culture Day special attention is paid to institutions that preserve and pass on Hungarian cultural heritage. He highlighted that the role of cultural institutions and libraries is more important than ever, as in an era of rapid information flow, digitalisation and artificial intelligence they help people navigate vast amounts of data, offer reliable knowledge, contribute to lifelong learning, and support education, self-development and equal opportunities.
He noted that, according to a survey by the Library Institute, the number of registered library users rose by nearly 17% last year compared to previous years, and the number of document loans is close to 18 million.
“Library certification has now become a point of reference for Hungarian libraries,” he added, noting that award-winning institutions raise the standard and performance of the Hungarian library system through their results, good practices and experience.
Source: MTI
Photo: Máté Vincze, Deputy State Secretary responsible for public collections and cultural development, delivers a speech at the ministerial awards ceremony for community culture and libraries, held in connection with Hungarian Culture Day at the National Széchényi Library in Budapest, 20 January 2026. MTI/Tamás Purger.