Mobile Libraries in Qazvin Must Be Increased

According to Khabar Online news agency from Qazvin; Mahdieh Sadat Ghaflehbashi, head of public libraries in Qazvin province, speaking at the commemoration ceremony of Book, Book Reading, and Librarian Day, held with the presence of the Governor of Qazvin and a group of provincial officials at the Imam Khomeini Library meeting hall in Qazvin, emphasized the reimagining of the traditional role of libraries: Today, a library is no longer just a place for study and learning, but rather a cultural and social base; a vibrant space for continuous education, discussion, exchange of ideas, and interaction.

The head of the Public Libraries Institution of Qazvin province, referring to the facilities available in Imam Khomeini Library (RA), recalled: This library has various sections including dedicated spaces for children, individual study, and co-working, and our goal is to redesign environments and create new library spaces to provide more attractive places for visitors.

The head of public libraries of Qazvin province stated: In this standard hall located in the center of Qazvin; theater, student and art student concerts, poetry nights, and memorials are held and welcomed by the public.

Ghaflehbashi stated: Imam Khomeini Library (RA) has 7,000 active members, which shows that despite virtual space, many people are interested in reading. One of the library members is 90 years old and has the highest rate of study and visits to borrow books among members. Alongside him, we have a four-year-old child reader, which indicates that reading has no age limit.

The head of public libraries of Qazvin province noted: Building a new library is not economically viable, the best way is to increase the fleet of mobile libraries. Each mobile library bus or small truck can cover 10 to 30 areas, especially in difficult-to-reach routes of Alamut and Koohin which lack libraries. A mobile library can be an ambassador of awareness and knowledge and solve the province’s concerns in various fields.

She reminded: Qazvin is an industrial and university city and its people are benevolent. Books, compared to mosques or schools, have a very low cost but leave a lasting impact. I ask people to donate their books and not keep them captive on shelves.

The head of public libraries of Qazvin province emphasized: We must think about the imbalance of books and reading. Books have turned into television, and television into small bites of virtual space, and we must worry about the minds and thoughts of our children.

Sustainable development is not possible without culture and reading

Mohammad Nozari, Governor of Qazvin, stated at this ceremony: The history of Iran shows that whenever society has moved on the axis of pen, thought, and culture, it has traversed the path of growth and power, and whenever it has distanced itself from thought, it has suffered stagnation and failure.

He criticized the decrease in the per capita study rate and added: A nation that does not read is not dynamic and cannot create a bright future and achieve sustainable development.

The Governor of Qazvin, referring to the importance of naming Book Week in the official calendar of the country, stated: This week is an opportunity to review the cultural situation of society.

Nozari emphasized: No media or technology can replace the smell of books, turning pages, and being present in a library, and the root of many social harms lies in staying away from reading and cultural laziness.

This official considered the role of parents in promoting reading as decisive and added: The behavior of parents is the best role model for children.

Library resources must be updated

The Governor of Qazvin, emphasizing the necessity of updating library resources, stated: Most books are old and not compatible with the needs of today’s generation; the production and provision of books must be harmonized with the interests of teenagers and young adults.

Nozari considered the existence of digital reading platforms, mobile libraries, and new ideas as effective solutions to attract people to reading and said: The Governorate is ready to support innovative programs in the field of books.

The Governor of Qazvin, referring to the half-percent share of municipalities in the cultural sector, said: Mayors are not only responsible for urban development affairs, and active involvement in social and cultural issues, including books and libraries, is part of their duties. The half-percent share of municipalities should be purposefully used for equipping libraries, renovating halls, and developing cultural infrastructures.

Nozari emphasized: The support and active participation of municipalities and governorates in the field of culture and books can pave the way for increasing the per capita study rate and cultural development in the province.

At the end of the ceremony, the mayors of Mohammadieh and Bidestan were honored as selected mayors of the province for their support of libraries and promotion of reading culture, along with activists in the field of books and reading.

Also, the poster ‘Homkhawan; Iran Public Library Emblem’ was unveiled. This emblem is special for individuals who have played an effective role in expanding the culture of reading and introducing the capacities of public libraries across the country.