Honoring Readers, Holding Literary Gatherings, and Donating Books in Semnan
According to Iran Book News Agency (IBNA), Seyed Rasoul Mousavi Nezhadian discussed the provincial programs for the 33rd Book Week, stating: “In Semnan province, the programs for this cultural event have been designed by combining rich literary heritage with modern approaches to promoting reading.”
He added: “For this year’s Book Week, we have prepared programs focusing on three main pillars: honoring literary figures, supporting publishers and booksellers, and promoting reading among all segments of society.”
Mousavi Nezhadian outlined the significant programs of this general department as follows: “Holding the 18th Provincial Book and Quranic Sciences Exhibition with the presence of national publishers and the ‘Qoomes Nights’ program with prominent national cultural and literary figures are among the central programs of the General Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Semnan Province during Book Week.”
He continued: “Also, holding poetry nights with national poets, unveiling five book titles dedicated to prominent martyrs of the province under the congress of three thousand martyrs, visiting active publishing houses and bookstores in the province, donating 100 book packages totaling 10,000 volumes (following the first phase in October where 20,000 volumes were distributed) to villages and nomadic areas of the province, holding book unveiling ceremonies and honoring local authors, and organizing book unveiling, review, and critique sessions are among the other planned programs.”
Mousavi Nezhadian also listed the promotional programs of the general department: “Sessions to honor readers and writers, book custodians, top publishers and bookstores in the cities, and honoring the youngest and oldest readers, as well as holding literary gatherings for poetry and stories on the importance of books and reading, are important programs in this area.”
He concluded: “Literary sessions for Hafiz and Shahnameh readings, presence of city officials in schools, inviting schools for students to visit book fairs and libraries, preparing and publishing podcasts on books and reading in virtual spaces, and holding story writing workshops and competitions are among other programs we have prepared to cover all age groups and tastes.”
The 33rd Islamic Republic of Iran Book Week, with the slogan ‘Let’s Read for Iran,’ will be held from November 14th to 20th, 2025 (Aban 24th to 30th, 1404 in the Persian calendar).
