From Libraries to Elite Identification; Kermanshah Welcomes Culture and Reading

According to the correspondent of the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Kermanshah, in a meeting of the administrative council of Kermanshah province, held in the presence of the governor, Parisa Mohammadi, the Director-General of Public Libraries of the province, emphasized the readiness of this institution to develop cultural activities in neighborhoods, stating: ‘With 82 libraries across the province, the capacity to implement neighborhood-based projects in the field of books and reading is fully provided, and we can put these spaces at the service of the people and their cultural needs.’

She considered libraries to be one of the most important influential centers in responding to the cultural demands of the people, adding: ‘Libraries are places where all strata of society, without taste distinction, refer to for peace, knowledge, and intellectual growth; today, with 56,000 active members, we are striving to expand the capacity for service delivery as much as possible.’

Mohammadi stated that one of the province’s main needs is the establishment of a specialized Holy Defense library, and emphasized: ‘Kermanshah, which experienced the beginning and end of the war, deserves to have a special library in the field of oral history and war literature; the libraries institution is ready to lay the groundwork for this project, and we hope this demand will be met with serious support.’

She also referred to the programs for Book Week, stating: ‘This year, commemorating the literature of Jihad and Resistance is on the agenda nationwide, and the Supreme Leader’s emphasis on the role of women in martyrs’ families has doubled the importance of paying attention to works in the field of Holy Defense, making our responsibility in documenting and promoting this literature heavier.’

Future-making with Books and Investing in Kermanshah’s Elites

Manouchehr Habibi, the Governor of Kermanshah, also continued the meeting by stating that books and reading are the main basis of progress, and said: ‘Any society in which reading is prevalent has a brighter future ahead; books are the engine of movement in all fields, and executive bodies must take their role in promoting it seriously, especially cultural organizations.’

The Governor emphasized that neglecting libraries means neglecting tomorrow, adding: ‘Investment in reading is a direct investment in the future generation, and libraries should not be allowed to stagnate.’

Habibi then referred to the necessity of introducing the province’s prominent figures, saying: ‘Kermanshah is a land of lasting names and distinguished personalities, and therefore, a comprehensive program for introducing the province’s elites is being prepared, which will be completed and presented by the end of the year.’

He also emphasized the use of youth capacity in management, stating: ‘Governors and provincial managers should have active communication with young people and use young consultants alongside them so that a fresh stream of ideas and energy enters decision-making processes.’

In another part of his speech, the Governor addressed the necessity of paying attention to retirees, saying: ‘Heads of retirement associations should act as consultants for retirees’ issues in organizations; this group should benefit from the welfare facilities of departments, and their problems should be continuously followed up.’