A great man who knew the value of good books
According to a reporter from the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA), the children’s book ‘Hossein Malek’ was unveiled in collaboration with Gahgah Publications, marking the anniversary of the endowment of the Malek Library and Museum. This book is part of the ‘Small Hands, Big Dreams’ series. The book ‘Hossein Malek’ delves into the childhood and life of Haj Hossein Agha Malek, one of Iran’s greatest benefactors, and introduces his efforts in preserving the country’s cultural and historical works and treasures.
The ‘Small Hands, Big Dreams’ series strives to introduce children to inspiring figures and depict the challenging journey of each great personality in achieving their childhood dreams. These books narrate the lives of notable figures from Iran and the world over the past hundred years. Haj Hossein Malek is one such notable figure featured in this series. Haj Hossein Agha Malek used to say: ‘Good books should not leave Iran,’ and with this beautiful dream, he collected one of the largest and most valuable libraries in the world, as well as a collection of unique treasures, and transformed it into a large and beautiful museum for the people of Iran. Thus, he, who had read most of the books in his very, very large library and even knew them by heart, became Iran’s first museum curator; a great man who knew the value of good books.
Amir Khorakian, Director of the Malek Museum and Library, emphasized at the beginning of the ceremony that the main concern of the complex is to preserve treasures without restricting access and to provide visiting opportunities for children and the new generation. He reminded that ‘Mondays at the Museum’ is organized with a focus on children’s activities, and the book’s formation process was also inspired by this concern. He stressed the necessity of introducing personalities who have played a role in cultural development and the preservation of historical and artistic identity.
Olduz Reyhani, Director of Nile Publisher, emphasized the importance of introducing notable figures from various fields, stating that publishing such works provides an opportunity for children to make better choices for their future. Thanking Sharmin Naderi (author) and Sahar Khorasani (illustrator), she added that the primary burden of book production rested with the author and the publishing group.
Sharmin Naderi, the book’s author, recounted her personal interest and devotion to Haj Hossein Agha Malek and the Malek Museum. She explained that writing the book was done in collaboration with her school friend, Sahar Khorasani, the book’s illustrator, and after years of wishing, this opportunity to publish the book ‘Hossein Malek’ was realized.
Jamal Akrami, a writer and researcher of children’s and young adult literature, spoke about the importance of choosing suitable role models for children and engaged in a Q&A session with the children present. Additionally, Noshad Rokni, Director of the Malek Library, reviewed historical letters and documents detailing Haj Hossein Malek’s support for children and young adults, creating an impactful segment of the ceremony.
Following the speeches, a live music performance featuring nostalgic pieces from the 1980s created joyful moments for the children and their families. At the end, gifts were presented to the children, and a book signing ceremony was held with Sharmin Naderi and Sahar Khorasani. The event concluded with a commemorative photo.
