Book Exhibition with 5,000 Titles Opened at Khuzestan Central Library

According to the correspondent of Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Ahvaz, the Director-General of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Khuzestan, on Saturday morning at the opening ceremony of the book exhibition at the Khuzestan Central Library in Ahvaz, while congratulating the start of Book and Reading Week, stated: The book exhibition, organized by a cultural and artistic institute with the support of the General Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Khuzestan and the Public Libraries Foundation, has started today in Khuzestan and will welcome enthusiasts until December 5th.

Hossein Barani, referring to the specially designed space in Ahvaz Central Library, which is one of the most visited cultural centers in Khuzestan province, stated: During this period, various cultural services are offered to visitors, and books are presented with discounts of 20 to 50 percent, so that students, youth, and the general public can access the latest works at reasonable prices.

Barati emphasized: This exhibition is one of the few programs that provides books at reasonable prices to its audience, and considering the cultural capacities of Khuzestan, the two organizing bodies strive to use this opportunity to strengthen vitality, promote reading, and enhance the quantitative and qualitative aspects of reading culture.

He said: This exhibition will be held until December 5th at the Khuzestan Central Library and will welcome book lovers every day.

The Deputy Director-General of Public Libraries of Khuzestan also stated at the ceremony that this year’s Book and Reading Week will be accompanied by extensive cultural programs throughout Khuzestan province. He added that the first program of Book Week is the dusting of martyrs’ tombs as one of the symbolic programs marking the beginning of Book Week at the provincial level.

Seyyed Hamzeh Mousavi added: Twenty cultural activists will be honored as provincial laureates by receiving the top reading award in a program planned with the presence of the President and national and provincial officials.

Mousavi said: Three literary gatherings will be held concurrently with the start of Book Week in the cities of Dezful, Mahshahr, and Abadan. Among these, the Dezful literary gathering will feature the prominent provincial poet, Mr. Babaei, along with the unveiling of new books and poetry readings.

He said: In addition to the main programs, reading sessions, unveiling of literary and artistic works, book exhibitions, and cultural workshops are also planned throughout the province. Holding art workshops, including painting and handicrafts for youth and teenagers, to expand the culture of reading and creativity, is one of the prominent features of this year’s programs.

He further referred to the statistics of public libraries in the province and said: Currently, 215 libraries are active across the province, in addition to 365 institutional libraries, including rural and university libraries, some of which have recently returned to operation.

Regarding Khuzestan province’s rank in reading per capita, he stated: Khuzestan’s rank in reading per capita is changing, and fortunately, with the holding of book exhibitions and the facilities provided for the audience, it is expected that reading will increase.

The head of the book exhibition also stated at the ceremony: The special book exhibition features over 200,000 volumes and 5,000 titles on various subjects, including literature, novels, history, psychology, science, art, philosophy, history of the Quran, Mafatih al-Janan, as well as works authored by domestic writers.

Seyyed Ebrahim Nouri Lotfi said: This cultural event will continue at its venue until Monday, December 5th.

Nouri Lotfi added: Environmental and virtual advertisements for this exhibition will begin tomorrow to maximize awareness among book enthusiasts.

Referring to the launch of the book exhibition’s customer club, he said: This club has been designed with the aim of creating a sustainable connection with book lovers and offering them special benefits.

Nouri Lotfi added: This exhibition is an exceptional opportunity for book and reading enthusiasts to access a variety of works at reasonable prices in a cultural and dynamic environment. Enthusiasts can visit the exhibition venue during official hours and benefit from the variety of books and special discounts.

He said: Enthusiasts can also view and purchase their desired books virtually through the Seraj Book website, with a four-month interest-free installment payment plan without a guarantor.