On January 24, 2025, Romanians of Washington, DC had the distinct honor of inaugurating the very first Romanian Library Corner in a public library anywhere in the United States. The historic event took place at the Worcester County Library’s Ocean City Branch and was attended by distinguished guests, community members, and local officials who gathered to celebrate this important milestone for Romanian and Moldovan literature in the U.S.

The event featured remarks by Cathy Moore, Assistant Branch Manager; Julie Presley, Manager of the Ocean City Library; Bogdan Banu, President of Romanians of DC; H.E. Viorel Ursu, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United States; and Cristian Gaginsky, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Romanian Embassy in the United States. The significance of this initiative was further highlighted by the presence of Mayor Rick Meehan, representatives from the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland, local Orthodox clergy, and members of the local media.
A Cultural Bridge to Romanian Literature
The Romanian Library Corner was established through funding and support from Romanians of DC in partnership with the Worcester County Library. It consists of over 160 titles, housed at the Ocean City and Berlin Branches, and available for checkout not only in Worcester County but across the entire Eastern Shore of Maryland. The collection primarily includes books in Romanian, along with several bilingual editions designed for young children. The selection spans a diverse range of genres, including Romanian literary classics, works by contemporary Romanian and Moldovan authors, beloved children’s books, and notable titles from American and international literature.

This initiative was created to serve both the Romanian community on the Eastern Shore—comprising many young families originally from Romania and the Republic of Moldova—as well as the broader population of nearly half a million residents in the region. Books will be available through traditional check-out and the library’s Honor Book System, which does not require a library card. For honor books, patrons simply inform the front desk of the number of books being borrowed and return them at their convenience.
A Milestone for Cultural Representation
During the event, Bogdan Banu, President of Romanians of DC, highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing that it represents more than just books on shelves. “It is a celebration of our united Romanian and Moldovan culture, history, and identity. It is a resource for young families, children, and individuals who want to stay connected to their heritage while also contributing to the rich diversity of this region,” he noted.

He further underscored the broader impact of this initiative:
“To highlight the potential reach of this project, I’d like to share a few key numbers and facts. The books in the Romanian Library Corner will not only be available at the Ocean City and Berlin branches of the Worcester County Library but will also be accessible through the Eastern Shore Regional Library network, which serves eight library systems: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties, encompassing much of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In numerical terms, this means the books will be available in 23 public libraries, reaching 225,739 library cardholders who, in 2022, made an impressive 815,404 in-person visits. Moreover, because the books will also be available through the library’s honor system, they have the potential to serve the entire population of these eight counties, which stood at 320,414 people in 2022. On top of this, the collection will be accessible to the thousands of visitors who come to Maryland’s shores each year, as well as the many seasonal workers who arrive every summer and form the backbone of the service industry.”

A Commitment to Future Growth
Romanians of DC reaffirmed its commitment to expanding this initiative in the future. “You have my personal commitment, as well as that of Romanians of DC, that we stand ready to further expand this first Romanian Library Corner with additional book donations to better reflect the needs of your institution and your readers. We are also eager to explore ideas and opportunities for joint literary events, children’s activities, and other collaborative initiatives that celebrate Romanian and Moldovan culture,” Banu said.
The Transformative Power of Books
Ambassador Viorel Ursu expressed his deep appreciation for the inauguration of the Romanian Library Corner, calling it a “remarkable occasion that reflects the strength of our shared cultural heritage and the unifying power of books and libraries.” He emphasized the historical and cultural ties between Romania and Moldova, which, despite being separated 80 years ago, continue to share a common language, traditions, and literary heritage.

He further reflected on the profound role that books and libraries play in preserving cultural identity: “Libraries have long been centers of knowledge, imagination, and reflection. In today’s world, where artificial intelligence, digital technology, and information overload dominate our daily lives, the act of opening a book becomes a revolutionary gesture.” Discussing the transformative power of books, Ambassador Ursu shared how Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, profoundly impacted his life and inspired him to take bold steps toward his dreams. He also highlighted the story of Guguță, a beloved Moldovan children’s tale by Spiridon Vanghelie, as an example of how literature fosters unity, empathy, and shared identity. “Books offer us a profound refuge, a space to think deeply, and a means to connect with ideas and emotions that transcend the limits of screens and algorithms,” he noted. The Ambassador encouraged everyone to embrace reading, share books with others, and ensure that Romanian literature remains accessible to future generations.
Romania’s Lasting Connection to Ocean City
Deputy Chief of Mission Cristian Gaginsky highlighted the significance of the Romanian Library Corner as a bridge between cultures and communities. He expressed gratitude to the Worcester County Library staff and leadership for making this initiative possible, noting that “bringing this great collection of Romanian books into this library is a wonderful service to the community and to your Romanian and Moldovan friends.”

Speaking on January 24 — a significant day in Romanian history marking the Union of the Romanian Principalities — Gaginsky emphasized the growing ties between Romania and Ocean City. He pointed out that for over 20 years, young Romanians have been coming to the area each summer, creating a lasting connection between Romania and this coastal city. “Over time, what happened is that there’s an increasingly strong community of young ones who are so fond and so in love with this country,” he remarked. He also noted the symbolic significance of this initiative, likening it to the many American Corners found in Romania and celebrating the fact that there is now a Romanian Corner in the United States.
A Celebration of Culture and Community
The inauguration concluded with a delightful sampling of Romanian snacks and food, generously provided by Bird Dog Tavern in Ocean City. The tavern has become a beloved gathering place for the Romanian community, regularly serving Romanian dishes and fostering a welcoming space for cultural exchange.

Romanians of DC extends its deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to making this initiative a reality, especially Cathy Moore, Ocean City Assistant Branch Manager; Julie Presley, Manager of the Ocean City Branch; and Jennifer Ranck from the Worcester County Library, as well as Julie Johnson, Youth Services Specialist at the Berlin Branch, whose initial outreach helped spark this collaboration. The organization also thanks all community members who attended, including Mayor Meehan, officials from the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and from the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland, the clergy from the local Orthodox church and local media representatives.

For Romanians of DC, this project is a proud extension of its mission. With this initiative, Romanians of DC highlights its commitment to build a stronger community amongst the Romanians and Moldovans living in Maryland, Virginia and in Washington, DC while at the same time preserving Romanian culture and sharing it with a wider audience, ensuring that future generations can connect with their heritage in a meaningful way. This is just the beginning of what promises to be a growing presence of Romanian and Moldovan literature in public libraries across the United States.