Details of Book Week programs announced in Golestan / Diversity of events, decentralization, and public focus
Abdolhay Mirzaali, in an interview with an IRNA correspondent in Gorgan, stated that the 33rd period of Book Week of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the slogan ‘Let’s Read for Iran,’ will be held with diverse programs from November 14th to 20th, simultaneously nationwide. He added: ‘Attending Friday prayers on November 13th and 20th to explain Book Week programs, reporting on performance and clarifying the role and status of books in society, setting up a service desk at Friday prayers focused on books and reading, a symbolic book bell ceremony, scattering perfume on martyrs’ graves, and renewing allegiance with the ideals of the late Imam Khomeini (RA) are among our programs.’
He added: ‘The opening of the “Book Passage” reading exhibition in partnership with the General Directorate of Culture and Islamic Guidance and the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults of the province, centered in Gorgan county; holding a provincial poetry gathering with top provincial poets; and implementing the “Book Caravan” project with the slogan “Let’s Read for Iran” for the seventh consecutive year in the east and west of the province, centered in Gumishan, Gonbad, and Ramian counties, will be other planned programs for these days.’
Abdolhay Mirzaali, referring to the signing of cooperation memorandums between the province’s public libraries and the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, Payame Noor University, and the provincial police command as some of the events planned for this period, continued: ‘A blood donation campaign by public library staff and members of the province, and the execution of the “Food and Book” festival along with the introduction of related books, in capable libraries in the cities of Bandar Gaz and Fazelabad, have been included in our calendar.’
He then invited all segments of society to participate in and benefit from the book-centered events, adding: ‘Holding the ceremony to commemorate Book, Reading, and Librarian Day in the province on November 18th, honoring selected awardees, and the nationwide unveiling and commendation ceremony by the Supreme Leader for three books – ‘Lady of the Moon,’ ‘Unfinished Fever,’ and ‘Fellow Traveler of Water and Fire’ – are at the forefront of our collaborative programs.’
The Director General of Public Libraries of Golestan Province further referred to some of the numerous programs scheduled to be held during Book Week, stating: ‘A meeting of librarians with the Governor of Golestan, implementing a book donation campaign (“Donate Knowledge”), executing the “Let’s Read for Iran” campaign aimed at promoting reading culture, running the “From Home to Neighborhood” campaign focusing on introducing public, personal, mosque, and school libraries, and initiating a late return fine exemption scheme conditional on book return, are among these programs.’
He added: ‘Implementing a nationwide membership scheme allowing every Iranian to join public libraries and borrow one book, holding a book review and unveiling session titled “Feast of Poetry, Ecstasy, and Thought,” meetings with provincial journalists and publications, and appearing on Golestan TV are also among the events we seek to implement.’
Mirzaali, emphasizing that they are pursuing diversity of events, decentralization, and public focus, continued: ‘In the province’s counties, we are also seeking to create book-centered environmental spaces focusing on ecosystem capacities and revitalizing public libraries to encourage visits and participation in membership and library services, collaborating with municipalities in extensive spatial design and promoting book and reading elements, and holding special children’s and youth programs such as meter-long painting and collage, book-making, written handicrafts, etc., are among the noteworthy programs.’
Finally, he emphasized that continuous promotional programs in accordance with announced cultural program headings or audience needs are stressed, stating: ‘Holding book review and unveiling sessions and literary gatherings during these days is a priority for us and is planned to be implemented in the province’s counties.’
