Saving Semnan’s Dilapidated Library with 3 Urgent Programs; Necessity of Municipality Participation

According to a Mehr News Agency reporter, Saeed Dehghanloo, Director General of Semnan Public Libraries, stated on Tuesday afternoon at a meeting of the Semnan Public Libraries Association held at the governorate, referring to the dilapidated state of Semnan Central Library: “Three short-term, medium-term, and long-term programs are on the agenda to improve cultural infrastructure and expand citizens’ access to books and reading.”

He explained that the city’s central library is dilapidated and requires redesign and renovation, adding: “To enhance the condition of public libraries, three programs at short-term, medium-term, and long-term levels will be developed and pursued.”

The Director General of Public Libraries of Semnan Province, in detailing the short-term program, further stated: “Mobile libraries have been launched in many provinces, receiving very positive feedback. This initiative is expected to be widely welcomed by the public and can significantly impact the advancement of cultural levels and the promotion of reading culture.”

Dehghanloo continued: “In Semnan city, the launch of a mobile library is also on the agenda as an effective short-term measure.”

Referring to the medium-term program, he said: “The redesign and renovation of Semnan Central Library is among the other planned actions, and we hope that by next year, we will witness the presentation of a new model of library space with an updated design and a broader cultural function.”

The Director General of Public Libraries of Semnan Province elaborated on the long-term program for the development of public libraries: “In new towns and residential areas of Semnan, local libraries should be constructed in optimal locations with appropriate design to facilitate citizens’ access to cultural resources.”

Dehghanloo also emphasized the necessity of cooperation and participation from Semnan Municipality in developing reading spaces, stating: “The municipality can, by creating light and suitable structures in parks and public spaces of the city, provide the groundwork for establishing small local libraries or reading stations so that books and reading are accessible to the general public.”

At the conclusion of this meeting, issues related to strengthening cultural infrastructures, supporting book promotion projects, and developing public reading spaces throughout Semnan city were reviewed and decided upon.