Semnan Book Week programs kicked off with the groundbreaking of a library

According to the correspondent of Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Semnan, on Saturday morning, and on the first day of Book and Reading Week, a special program commemorating Book Day was held at the Central Library of Semnan with the presence of general directors of executive and cultural organizations of Semnan province. In this ceremony, in addition to senior provincial and city officials, librarians, cultural activists, members of the Central Public Library of Semnan, and a group of art enthusiasts were also present.

Saeed Dehghanlou, Director General of Public Libraries of Semnan Province, referring to the special programs of Book and Reading Week in this province, said: “During Book and Reading Week, we will witness the groundbreaking of a library in Garmsar.”

Dehghanlou stated that this library will be built on a land area of two thousand square meters. He added: “A special program to appreciate librarians and activists in the field of promoting reading culture is among other programs of Book and Reading Week in Semnan province.”

He also stated that free membership in public libraries will be offered during these days, adding: “The presence of authors in schools is also one of the promotional and encouraging programs of Book and Reading Week in Semnan province.”

The Director General of Public Libraries of Semnan Province, stating that during Book and Reading Week efforts are made to enhance social interaction in these cultural venues, said: “Diversity in programs has been another of our emphases this week.”

Dehghanlou also referred to the role of librarians in promoting reading culture and expressed: “Our librarians are like doctors who prescribe reading as a medicine to eliminate ignorance and unawareness for the audience.”

He stated that libraries are cultural and social bases where the sociology of knowledge is best embodied. He added: “Today, libraries are no longer just places for lending books but spaces for social interactions and a type of social engineering workshops where all groups and generations gather and exchange ideas with each other.”

The Director General of Public Libraries of Semnan Province also considered the province’s librarians as cultural heritage engineers and said: “Librarians, in addition to carrying out cultural activities, also provide other services such as consultation to their audience.”