Shortage of Libraries in Karaj / Necessity of Allocating Half a Percent of the Municipal Budget

According to the correspondent of the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Karaj, Hojjatoleslam Alireza Saeedi stated on Tuesday afternoon at the joint commission meeting of the Karaj City Council: Support for libraries and the development of cultural infrastructure is one of the most important concerns of the sixth council and city management.

He added: Currently, we face a significant shortage of libraries in various areas, and it is necessary that half a percent of the municipal budget be allocated for the expansion of these centers, as per the law.

The member of Karaj City Council, referring to joint meetings between the municipality and the General Department of Public Libraries, added: In the past, the municipality was even proactive in some cases, but unfortunately, this budget is considered an expense, and due to a lack of infrastructure, only a small portion of it is absorbed, with the remainder returning to the national treasury.

Saeedi emphasized the necessity of effective spending of cultural funds and suggested: It is better for the municipality, in cooperation with library institutions and cultural centers, to undertake the management of development, maintenance, and human resources for libraries, so that the allocated budget is truly spent on promoting the culture of reading.

He also added: It is expected that the city management, by adhering to the law and genuinely allocating half a percent of the budget, will pave the way for cultural growth in Karaj and increase citizens’ access to scientific and cultural resources.