Opening of the Largest Library in the North of the Country in Rasht

According to the correspondent of Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Rasht, Azadeh Nazare Boland, Secretary General of the country’s Public Libraries Institution, expressed her pleasure at this cultural event during Book and Reading Week, stating: “We are striving to move libraries beyond their traditional state and transform them into socio-cultural centers where human and social interactions can take shape.”

She referred to the Central Library of Rasht and noted: “With sections for children, teenagers, and the elderly, as well as a mother and child section, the concept of ‘library for everyone’ has taken shape in this complex.”

Nazare Boland added, referring to the high statistics of the elderly in Gilan: “Considering the needs of this age group, the Central Library of Rasht can be a source of impact in creating the aforementioned human and social interactions.”

Boland Nazare also pointed to the opening of the Rasht Central Library after 21 years and added: “Thanks to the efforts made, today we can announce the full, not partial, operation of the library.”

She expressed hope that the library spaces of this complex would be effective in shaping an impactful cultural environment in the province and the country.

Hadi Haqshanas, Governor of Gilan, also emphasized the importance of developing cultural infrastructure in the province and stated: “The inauguration of the Rasht Central Library is a significant step towards cultural justice and broad public access to reading services.”

Emphasizing Gilan’s rich cultural history in various fields, he said: “Gilan is one of the leading provinces in the field of culture, and this complex can play an effective role in strengthening the cultural environment and raising the level of study in society.”

Referring to the prolonged project implementation process, he stated: “This project started in 2004 and was fully equipped and put into operation after several years. Prolonging project implementation leads to lost development opportunities and reduced resource productivity.”

Haqshanas, stating that the library’s final capacity is 250,000 volumes, said: “So far, 90,000 volumes of books have been provided in this complex, which is unique or rare in its kind, as this library is usable for all segments of society, from children and adults to candidates for specialized exams such as law. Therefore, the possibility of individual study and broad access to resources has transformed this library into a comprehensive cultural center.”

Mahmoud Mohammadi, Head of the General Department of Public Libraries of Gilan Province, also considered the opening of the Rasht Central Library after 21 years a major event, especially for the province’s cultural community, and said: “Gilan is the green land of knowledge and the birthplace of thinkers, poets, researchers, and people whose history is intertwined with culture, dialogue, peace, and wisdom.”

He continued: “Gilan has always been one of the leading provinces in culture and has nurtured great artists and writers whose names adorn dear Iran.”

Mohammadi described the opening of the Rasht Central Library as a day that will be recorded in the cultural memory of the province and said: “After many years of waiting and extensive follow-ups, this library, as the largest library project in the north of the country, is being fully put into operation.”

He noted that this important event increases Rasht’s per capita study space from 41 centimeters to 128 centimeters, and added: “In the province, the per capita study space has also increased by 30%, providing everyone with access to books.”

The Rasht Central Library, with multiple book repositories, has been constructed as the largest public library in northern Iran with a concrete structure over 6 floors, covering an area of 8,200 square meters. This library features various sections such as an amphitheater, book repository, separate study halls for men and women, meeting rooms, a special audio and braille section, a reference books section, a lending section, a special and independent children’s section, a special section for the elderly, periodicals, a special study section for researchers, the library’s administrative section and book restoration/preparation, a special databases section, a makerspace, a science and astronomy room, a reception hall, an exhibition gallery, and a prayer room.