Construction of the Provincial Central Library Requires National Funding

According to the correspondent of the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Shahrekord, Parvaneh Arzanesh, the Head of the General Department of Public Libraries of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, stated at a press conference for Book Week held on Tuesday, November 11th, at the department’s office, referring to the geographical scope and distribution of public libraries in the province: Currently, 39 institutional libraries are active in the province, one of which is in a village and the rest are in cities.

She added: Additionally, 10 rural library service counters, 13 urban library service counters, and 6 cooperative libraries, including five libraries in prisons and one in Shamsabad, are currently operating.

Arzanesh continued: More than 40,000 active members have been registered in the public libraries of the province, and over 522,000 book copies have been lent since last year. Also, the number of existing copies in the public libraries of the province reaches approximately 1 million and 79 thousand volumes.

Referring to the province’s need for developing library infrastructure, she said: About 9 billion Tomans have been secured from the social responsibility funds of the oil company for the renovation of Molavi Library in Shahrekord, which is in the city center and used by various segments of the provincial population. This amount is only sufficient for one phase of renovation, and approximately 40 billion Tomans more are needed to complete this project.

The head of the province’s General Department of Public Libraries added: One of the most important public demands in the field of books and reading is the construction of the provincial central library. Unfortunately, despite continuous follow-ups over the past years, this project remains awaiting funding, and the public is still eagerly anticipating its commencement. For the construction of the provincial central library, whose land was allocated in 2016 with an area of 5,800 square meters, securing national funding is essential.

Referring to actions taken last year, she stated: The Be’sat Library of Farrokhshahr and Shahid Beheshti Library of Farsan have been constructed, equipped, and prepared, and will be inaugurated and reopened concurrently with Book Week.

Arzanesh announced the implementation of various cultural programs during Book Week, stating: Holding specialized sessions for writers and students, the ‘Every Employee, One Book’ campaign, commemorating Book Week, implementing book-centered programs in schools, inaugurating renovated libraries, speeches before Friday prayers, meeting with martyrs’ families, the ‘Little Book Companions’ project, the symbolic book bell in cooperation with education, and the ‘Donate a Book, Gift Knowledge’ initiative are among the week’s programs across the province.

Finally, referring to the digitization process of resources, she said: All public libraries in the province are equipped with modern technology, and historical, religious, and scientific resources are prioritized for digitization. Additionally, some works have been prepared in audio format, but there is still no fully digital library operating as a digital base in the province, and its establishment is one of the main demands of this institution.