Plovdiv printing-press. The city's traditions as a literary centre are preserved by the first public library in Bulgaria, the Ivan Vazov National Library, the 19 "chitalishta" (cultural centres), and by numerous booksellers and publishers. The library was founded in 1879 and named after the famous Bulgarian writer and poet Ivan Vazov who worked in Plovdiv for five years creating some of his best works. Today the Ivan Vazov National Library is the second largest national library institution with more than 1.5 million books, owning rare Bulgarian and European publications. The city has traditions in iconography since the Middle Ages. During the
PFC Botev Plovdiv PFC Botev Plovdiv Professional Football Club Botev Plovdiv, commonly known as Botev Plovdiv ( ) or simply (within the city of Plovdiv itself) Botev, is the oldest continuously existing Bulgarian association football club. The club was established on 12 March 1912 by a group of students in Plovdiv. Its home ground, the Hristo Botev Stadium is located in the residential quarter of Kamenitza and is currently under reconstruction. Therefore, home matches are temporarily played at Botev 1912 Football Complex in Komatevo. The team currently competes in First League, the top division of the Bulgarian football league system. Named in honour