Support for Elites and Cultural Infrastructure Development on Agenda to Strengthen Publishing Sector

Hassan Qamari, in an interview with a correspondent of the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Arak, on the occasion of the 33rd National Book Week, congratulated the Book Week, reading, and librarians. He referred to the actions taken in the development of the province’s cultural infrastructure and announced the imminent operation of the country’s largest library in Arak, which is in the final stages of completion.

He added: In a meeting held yesterday with the head of the province’s Public Libraries Department, it was decided that with the participation of philanthropists, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, and the Public Libraries Department, a complete collection of reference, specialized, and general books would be provided for this library.

Society’s Need to Strengthen Reading Culture

The deputy governor of Markazi province, emphasizing the necessity of promoting reading, said: Although various statistics are presented about the per capita study rate, which lack precise scientific backing, society’s need for reading is undeniable. Markazi province has always been the birthplace of great intellectuals and thinkers, and one of the reasons for this brilliance is the attention paid to books and reading culture.

Qamari, referring to the role of technology and art in attracting people to reading, stated: Electronic books, virtual space, and digital tools today can be an important opportunity to promote reading. We should not overlook these capacities; because these tools help enhance public awareness and culture.

Support for Local Writers and Poets

Regarding the complaints of some literary activists about the lack of support, the deputy governor stated: The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and the General Department of Guidance of the province have implemented a plan, using the capacity of the Artists Support Fund, through which artists are visited in their homes and their problems are investigated.

He added: Support for the Foundation of Luminaries, Iranology Foundation, and Elites Foundation is also on the agenda to provide the necessary groundwork for supporting the province’s publishing, book, and literature sector more than ever before.

Qamari concluded: We hope that with the planned initiatives, we will witness a further flourishing of reading culture and an elevation of the status of books in society.