Dehghanlou: Semnan Central Library Needs Redesign and Renovation / Mobile Library Launch on the Agenda

According to Khabaronline News Agency, Semnan Province; Dehghanlou, the Director-General of Public Libraries of Semnan Province, stated at a meeting of the Semnan Public Libraries Association held at the Semnan Governorate meeting hall that the central library of this city is dilapidated and needs redesign and renovation. He added that three programs at short-term, medium-term, and long-term levels will be drafted and pursued to improve the status of public libraries.

Elaborating on the short-term program, he said: “Mobile libraries have been launched in many provinces, which have had very positive feedback. This project will be widely welcomed by the public and can have a significant impact on raising the cultural level and promoting reading culture.”

The Director-General of Public Libraries of the province continued: “The launch of a mobile library is also on the agenda in Semnan County as a short-term and effective measure.”

Referring to the medium-term program, Dehghanlou said: “The redesign and renovation of Semnan County’s central library is another planned action, and we hope to see a new model of library space with an up-to-date design and broader cultural function by next year.”

Regarding the long-term program for the development of public libraries, he clarified: “In Semnan’s new towns and residential areas, local libraries should be built in the best locations and with appropriate design to facilitate citizens’ access to cultural resources.”

The Director-General of Public Libraries of the province also emphasized the necessity of cooperation and participation of Semnan Municipality in developing reading spaces, stating: “The municipality can provide the groundwork for establishing small local libraries or reading stations by creating light and suitable structures in parks and public spaces of the city, making books and reading accessible to the general public.”

At the end of this meeting, issues related to strengthening cultural infrastructure, supporting promotional reading programs, and developing public reading spaces at the Semnan County level were reviewed and decided upon.

Samimian: Library Development and Promotion of Reading Culture Requires Cooperation of Agencies and Benefactors

The Governor of Semnan County, emphasizing the necessity of renovating books and attracting new members to public libraries, said: “By utilizing the capacity of benefactors, the municipality, and rural councils, the cultural infrastructure of the county should be strengthened, and public access to books and reading expanded.”

Mehdi Samimian, the Governor of Semnan County, stated at the meeting of the Semnan Public Libraries Association held at the Governorate meeting hall: “Currently, more than 17,000 people are members of the county’s public libraries, and efforts should be made to increase this number by implementing various cultural programs and updating reading resources.”

He added that the books in libraries should be updated in accordance with the daily needs of society, stating: “Libraries can only be welcomed by the younger generation if their content aligns with current issues and topics of interest to society; in this regard, we need serious planning and modernization.”

Samimian, referring to the existence of nearly 17 libraries in Semnan County, said: “The number of active members is low relative to the county’s population, and we must increase public participation, especially among youth, in the field of reading by developing attractive facilities and cultural activities.”

He added that according to regulations, five percent of urban public spaces can be allocated to cultural activities, stating: “Semnan Municipality has good cooperation in this regard, and it is expected that this capacity will be used to create reading stations, establish small local libraries, and hold cultural events.”

The Governor of Semnan County, emphasizing the necessity of utilizing benefactors’ capacity to expand cultural infrastructure, continued: “It is necessary to, with the participation of Khairabad rural council, consider a location for establishing a library at the village level, and three other villages are also in the program for establishing public libraries to achieve cultural equity throughout the county.”

Samimian concluded by noting: “The development of libraries, the promotion of reading culture, and easy access for citizens to scientific and cultural resources require the synergy of all agencies and the cooperation of the public and benefactors.”