A Serbian librarian who pioneered the development of librarianship in Serbia, establishing the country's first library school and contributing to the modernization of its libraries.
Lela Mevorah, a remarkable Serbian librarian, is best known for her courageous efforts during World War II and her tireless contributions to the development of the Central Medical Library at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine. As the head of the library, Mevorah dedicated her life to rebuilding and expanding the institution, which was destroyed during the war.
Born on January 17, 1898, in Belgrade, Serbia, Lela Mevorah was the youngest of four children and the only daughter of Avram Mevorah and Esther Koen Mevorah. Her father worked in the Royal Currency Exchange, while her mother ran a wholesale store with her sister. Mevorah's early life was marked by a strong desire to pursue higher education, which was not commonly encouraged for women at the time.
During World War I, Mevorah volunteered as a nurse at the age of 16, while her brothers served in the Royal Serbian Army. After the war, she completed high school in Nice, France, and later studied philosophy in Paris, despite her father's initial disapproval.
Tragedy struck Mevorah's life during World War II, when her father and two brothers were killed by the Nazis in the Holocaust. Her brother, Moe, a lieutenant colonel in the Royal Yugoslav Army, was captured and interned in a German POW camp, where he painted portraits of over 600 fellow prisoners. Mevorah herself was captured in 1941 and interned in camps in Albania and Italy.
In 1943, following Mussolini's death, Mevorah was released from the Ferramonti di Tarsia camp and spent the rest of the war in Asti, Italy. Her experiences during the war had a profound impact on her life and work.
In 1946, Dr. Matija Ambrozi founded the Central Medical Library, and Mevorah joined him in 1947. She soon became the head of the library, a position she held until her death in 1972. Under her leadership, the library flourished, and Mevorah worked tirelessly to rebuild and expand the institution.
The library's collection was initially built from books liberated from the Germans by the National Liberation Army and donations from various organizations, including the United Jugoslav Fund from America, the World Health Organization, and the British Council. By 1959, the library had amassed a collection of 15,000 books and 850 journals, becoming a vital resource for medical research and education.
Lela Mevorah's contributions to the Central Medical Library and her bravery during World War II earned her several awards and honors. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of librarians, scholars, and researchers.
Lela Mevorah's remarkable story serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication, courage, and perseverance. Her contributions to the field of librarianship and her role in rebuilding the Central Medical Library continue to inspire and educate people to this day.
Born in 1892
A Yugoslav writer who crafted poignant stories and poems that explored the human condition, earning him the Nobel Prize in Literature. His works continue to captivate readers with their emotional depth and historical significance.
Born in 1893
A Serbian poet and author who explored themes of identity, love, and war in his avant-garde works, blending elements of surrealism and futurism. His writing often reflected the turmoil of his homeland during World War I and the subsequent Yugoslav Wars.
Born in 1922
A prominent figure in Serbian literature, known for his unique and imaginative poetry that explores the human condition, blending myth and reality.
