Dear library and e-centre member,

We are writing to you to announce some changes to our work in Serbia. The British Council across Europe has redefined its role in order to ensure that what we do continues to contribute to stronger cultural relations within and beyond Europe in a rapidly changing environment.

In Serbia and the rest of Europe our focus will be on working in partnerships and developing networks across a range of European countries. We will be launching new activities and changing the way we do others.

This change will directly affect our library services. The uniqueness of the British Council library offer has gone. In many European cities our libraries were once the only source of access to the UK. Today all relevant information can be found much more easily. The growth of the Internet, cable TV, public libraries and the internationalisation of the publishing business all contribute to this.

On 19 April 2008 we will stop providing library services in Belgrade and transfer our resources to new partner libraries in Novi Sad and Niš.  This is also our response to the long-standing needs of two main Serbian University cities outside the capital, which will help us provide information services to a wider audience in Serbia.

We will continue with our examination services and distance learning possibilities from the Belgrade office and, of course, the online provision of information through our wide range of web services for teachers, students and learners of English and continue other in-house workshops for teachers, students and young professionals.

Your current membership is transferable to one of the partner libraries if you live in or near Novi Sad or Nis or, if you prefer, we will refund you the remaining part of your membership. More information on this change is available right here, on these pages.

We are delighted that you have been using our library and e-centre to practise your English and learn new things and for the ideas and feedback you have given us. We hope, however, that you will continue to interact with us through our existing and new programmes and activities. I understand that some of you may feel that this change is not fully aligned with your expectations. We would like to encourage you to send your feedback to info@britishcouncil.org.yu or talk to our staff in our premises.

Yours sincerely,
Andrew Glass
Director, British Council Serbia