Narodno CHitalishte Bydnina 1982

Community Cultural Center “Badnina 1982” is an established cultural and educational center in the “Mladost” district of Sofia, which for decades has kept Bulgarian traditions alive, encouraged reading, education and the arts, and created a community around culture. The community center operates as a non-profit legal entity and its main mission is to enrich the cultural life of citizens, preserve customs and traditions, and foster national identity among children and adults.

The activities of the community center include a library, schools and clubs, amateur groups, cultural events and educational initiatives, which are held in several halls and dedicated spaces in Mladost 2, 3 and 4 residential districts.

1. History and Development of Community Cultural Center “Badnina”

Community Cultural Center “Badnina” was established on 28.10.1982 in Mladost 3 district. In its early years, the center used a three-room apartment in block 347 and two community clubs, where the first cultural and educational activities were held.

In 1992, the “Mladost” district administration provided the community center, by official order, with a ground floor premises in Mladost 4 and three transformer buildings for use. Today these spaces are actively used by the library, schools, courses and clubs and are an important part of the cultural infrastructure of the district.

Over the years, Community Cultural Center “Badnina 1982” has established itself as a place where tradition meets modernity — from folklore groups and amateur ensembles to modern music schools, dance formations and sports clubs.

2. Mission, Goals and Values

Community Cultural Center “Badnina 1982” is a cultural and educational organization whose activities are aimed at:

• meeting the needs of citizens related to developing and enriching their cultural life;
• preserving Bulgarian customs, traditions and folklore;
• building and strengthening national identity;
• supporting education, self-education and creative development;
• creating a community around books, music, dance and art.

The community center works to be an open, accessible and vibrant cultural space where children, youth and adults can find knowledge, inspiration, performance opportunities and a social environment.

3. “Badnina” Library – Home of Books and Readers

3.1 General Information About the Library

The library of Community Cultural Center “Badnina” is located in a transformer building next to block 345 in Mladost 3. The library collection is arranged compactly and conveniently so readers can easily find the necessary literature. Books are organized according to a classification scheme ensuring systematic arrangement and quick orientation.

The library serves all interested readers — children, students, working people and retirees. It is a place for reading, research, school and university preparation, as well as leisure time spent with good books.

3.2 Working Hours and Internal Rules

The library operates Monday to Friday, with certain hours for reader service and others dedicated to internal library work.

Saturday and Sunday are non-working days. Current information about working hours and internal rules is announced on site and through the community center's information channels.

3.3 Catalog and Library Collection

The library maintains a book catalog which is regularly updated according to the movement of the library collection. Readers can review available titles and make inquiries by author, title, topic or genre.

The collection includes fiction, children's books, educational materials, reference literature, specialized publications and other editions supporting both leisure reading and the educational process.

3.4 Reference and Public Activities

The library performs reference, bibliographic, informational and public activities. Catalogs are regularly updated, reader inquiries are prepared, and assistance is provided when searching for information.

To attract new readers and encourage reading, the library organizes initiatives such as “Children's Book Week” and other thematic literary events.

3.5 Library Mission

The mission of the library is focused in several main directions:

• creating and strengthening reading habits from an early age;
• supporting formal and informal education at all levels;
• providing opportunities for creative development and access to knowledge;
• supporting the cultural and spiritual growth of the community.

4. Schools and Clubs – A Place for Education, Art and Sports

Community Cultural Center “Badnina 1982” develops a rich activity through schools and clubs held mainly in Mladost 4 Hall and other halls. They include dance, music, sports and visual arts for children, youth and adults.

4.1 Schools and Clubs – Mladost 4 Hall

Activities held in Mladost 4 Hall include:

• Children's Dance Ensemble “Vihren” — children's dance group with choreographers Ralitsa Ivanova and Valentin Ivanov;
• Dance Ensemble “Orenda” — folk dance formation with choreographer Tsvetelina Ivanova;
• other schools and clubs in music, drawing, dance and additional activities.

4.2 Karate Club “Tsanev” and Sensei Svetoslav Pingarov

Karate Club “Tsanev” trains at the community center with instructor Sensei Svetoslav Pingarov — III Dan Shotokan Karate-Do. Training sessions are held Saturday and Sunday from 09:30 AM.

Training is suitable for children and youth developing discipline, concentration and physical fitness.

4.3 Children's Music Schools – Guitar and Piano

The center offers children's music schools for guitar and piano:

• Guitar Class with Emil Ezekiev;
• Piano Class with Lachezara Hristova.

Classes are held in Mladost 2 near metro station "Aleksandar Malinov".

4.4 Folk Dance Club “Bayaderi”

The community center also hosts Folk Dance Club “Bayaderi”, offering opportunities for enthusiasts to enjoy Bulgarian folklore.

5. Amateur Ensembles – Guardians of Tradition

5.1 Folklore Group “Shopkinya”

Folklore Group “Shopkinya” has a long history dating back to 1976. Since 1988 the group performs at Community Cultural Center “Badnina 1982”.

5.2 Vocal Ensemble “Elbetitsa”

Vocal Ensemble “Elbetitsa” joined the community center in 2024, performing polyphonic a cappella folklore.

6. Facilities and Halls

• Hall 1 — Mladost 2
• Hall 2 — Mladost 4
• Library — Mladost 3

7. Working Hours and Contact

Working Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00

Acting Secretary: Lyudmila Katsova

Phones:
02 / 877 52 77
0886 394 421

Library: 02 / 441 16 62

Email: badnina@abv.bg

Address: Sofia, Mladost 4, Block 464