Central Library of West Azerbaijan Received ‘Homkhwan’ Award

Khadijeh Masoumi, in an interview with an IRNA (IBNA) correspondent in Urmia, stated that libraries are no longer just places for lending books, but have transformed into active social hubs that strive to ensure no social group is deprived of cultural services. She added: In recent years, numerous programs have been designed and implemented to facilitate access for special groups, including the development of adapted resources for the visually impaired, and the holding of meetings, workshops, and cultural programs specifically for people with disabilities. These efforts have now come to fruition and have drawn national attention to the cultural capacities of West Azerbaijan.

Masoumi continued: The awarding of the ‘Homkhwan’ insignia to the Central Library of West Azerbaijan comes as the development of cultural justice and the expansion of library services for all segments of society have been declared important axes of the country’s cultural policies, and the presence of high-ranking officials at this event also demonstrates the importance of this event in strengthening the current of books and reading in the country.

She stated: With the acquisition of this title, it is expected that the Central Library of Urmia will play a more prominent role in promoting the level of reading culture in the region and serve as a suitable model for other libraries in the country in providing specialized services to special groups.

According to IBNA; The ceremony commemorating ‘Book, Reading, and Librarian Day’, coinciding with the start of the 33rd Book Week of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was held at Vahdat Hall with the presence of several top cultural officials of the country; a ceremony where the Central Library of West Azerbaijan, by winning the title of the country’s top library in the ‘Services for Special Groups’ section, once again highlighted the name of this province at the national level and received the ‘Homkhwan’ award.

The selection of the Central Library of West Azerbaijan among libraries nationwide is the result of providing extensive, targeted, and specialized services to special groups, including the visually impaired, disabled, elderly, and vulnerable populations; services that in recent years have led to increased access and cultural participation at the provincial level.