The American Spaces programme marks 20 years of activity in Romania, during which the United States has invested over 1.5 million dollars in the country to develop a network of educational and cultural spaces dedicated to dialogue, learning, and the promotion of democratic values.
Alys Spensley, Public Affairs Counselor at the US Embassy, highlighted on Tuesday in Sibiu, at the opening of the newest American Corner in Romania, the partnership, civic engagement, and lasting relationship between the US and Romania.
Since 2005, the United States has invested over 1.5 million dollars in the American Spaces program in Romania, supporting 10 American Corners and 25 American Shelves nationwide. This funding provides modern facilities, trained staff, and high-quality programs that reflect American values, innovation, and excellence. The Corners and Shelves offer around 50,000 books, promoting English language learning, US history and culture, science, technology, and civic education. Collections are regularly updated to remain relevant and engaging, and the spaces are equipped with computers and other technologies. Over 20 years, American Spaces programs have reached around 850,000 Romanians through more than 13,500 events, serving as trusted centres for civic dialogue, learning, and interaction with the United States, Spensley told Agerpres.
In 2026, the program's development will have special significance, marking the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence.
2026 will be an exceptional year! We will celebrate 250 years since America's birth and, with the Declaration of Independence, the first introduction of fundamental rights. It will highlight American history, the role of the US in establishing and defending fundamental freedoms - freedom of expression, freedom of religion - and core democratic values, civil dialogue, and civic engagement open to all voices. Additionally, the US will host the FIFA World Cup (together with Canada and Mexico), allowing us to showcase America's leadership in sports diplomacy and support the US team - and Romania too. Follow announcements about viewing parties sponsored by the US Embassy across the country, Alys Spensley said.
2026 will also bring innovations to the American Corner, including 'maker' spaces, virtual reality, and interactive programs.
Alongside these 2026-specific initiatives, Spensley announced plans to modernise technology, expand book collections and educational resources, and introduce maker spaces, virtual reality, and interactive programmes, continuing to showcase American excellence in science, entrepreneurship, culture, and freedom of expression.
She noted that in Sibiu, the American Corner has become a place where people of all ages gather to learn, share, and inspire each other, with the impact being seen in human connections formed, ideas exchanged, and opportunities created to promote common goals of democracy, innovation, and leadership.
The American Corner in Sibiu is located in the historic centre, in the building inaugurated in 2007 as the ASTRA County Library. This cultural space offers the former European Capital of Culture a venue for meetings, dialogue, exhibitions, cultural events, debates, courses, and, importantly, a rooftop terrace where mini-concerts and performances take place, offering views of the Fagaras Mountains and Mitropoliei Street - a unique street in Eastern Europe notable for its religious diversity, with multiple churches of different denominations coexisting peacefully over the centuries, exemplifying tolerance and community.
With over 700 American Spaces in 140 countries, the United States remains committed to promoting mutual understanding and global collaboration
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