The 50th Anniversary of ZLA (Zagreb Library Association) Forum "Fifty Shades of Literacy" was held today in the Round Hall of the Croatian National Bank, organised by the Croatian National Bank and the Zagreb Library Association. The Forum was dedicated to the key topic of literacy in a broad social context, with a special emphasis on reading literacy, critical reading and related types of literacy that are inseparable from everyday life today.

In her opening speech, Sandra Švaljek, Deputy Governor of the Croatian National Bank, introduced the Forum participants to the history, role and current work of the library of the Croatian National Bank and emphasised that "the library of the CNB is much more than a place to borrow books – it is a space for exchanging knowledge, finding inspiration and connecting employees through common interests and professional development." Speaking on literacy as the topic of the Forum, she then emphasised the importance of financial literacy, which is one of the key aspects of general literacy today. "Today we will gain many new insights into the phenomenon of literacy and discuss what it represents today, regardless of whether it is literary, media, scientific or, for example, financial literacy, for which we, as the central bank, together with other stakeholders, are responsible," said Deputy Governor Sandra Švaljek on the occasion.

Vicegovernor Bojan Fras emphasised in his presentation that one of the goals of the Croatian National Bank, as the central bank of the Republic of Croatia, is to strengthen financial literacy. "Our Visitors’ Centre attracted over 11 thousand primary, secondary and university students through workshops in 2024, and our Moneterra – the Money Museum of the Croatian National Bank, which opened in June last year, has been visited by almost 10 thousand citizens so far. We conduct financial education continuously throughout the year, and as part of the World Money Week, the central event is our Great Student Debate. Other channels of financial education of the CNB include regular participation of CNB employees with topics from the field of financial education in the show 'Good morning, Croatia' on HRT 1 as well as in the show 'Financial Alphabet' on Croatian Catholic Radio. Informative and educational content for consumers is also available on the CNB website, while informational consumer loan offers and comparisons of bank fees are available via the CNB's internet and mobile applications. We also see financial literacy as part of consumer protection and we are continuously working on both improving the related regulations, as well as consumer education," Vicegovernor Fras emphasised.

"This year, the ZLA is celebrating 50 years since its founding. The Association was founded in 1975 by eminent librarians whose goal was to improve the librarianship profession, provide professional training for library workers, and advocate for librarianship in the public sphere. Today, we continue to achieve these goals through numerous activities and programmes within the Association. I am convinced that this forum will be a place for constructive discussion and new knowledge that will be conveyed to us by today's panellists," stated Mihael Bily, President of the Zagreb Library Association, in his opening speech.

The panel discussion "Literacy Is of Vital Importance" moderated by journalist Ana Dasović featured prominent Croatian experts and science promoters who presented different types of literacy: Nataša Govedić, PhD, presented reading literacy, Tanja Rudež presented scientific literacy, Natko Beck, MD, presented health literacy, Božo Skoko, PhD, presented media and communication literacy, and Lana Ciboci Perša PhD, presented media literacy.