East Azerbaijan Leads the Way in Redesigning the Country’s Libraries

Asad Babaei, in an interview with an Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) reporter in Tabriz, referring to the redefinition of the role of libraries in the new structure of the country’s public library institution, stated: With the changes in the structure of public libraries, efforts have been made to ensure these places are aligned with the needs of today’s society.

According to him, in the new plan, libraries have been transformed into centers for cultural, social, and artistic interactions and will act as influential cultural bases within society.

Babaei, pointing to East Azerbaijan’s successful experience in redesigning the Grand Central Library of Tabriz and Allameh Amini Library, and creating new spaces for group study, special sections for children and teenagers, cultural facilities, and new technologies, considered this province a pioneer in redesigning the country’s libraries.

He further noted that in cultural programs, less attention has been paid to the role of librarians in boosting public libraries, stating: The active presence of librarians has transformed public libraries into dynamic centers and shaped the cultural and social identity of these centers.

He introduced East Azerbaijan as one of the leading provinces in cultural and library initiatives, adding: The wide range of audiences and innovative programs has led the province to achieve top positions in many national projects.

The Director General of Public Libraries of East Azerbaijan further stated, referring to the extensive programs for Book Week: Coinciding with the 33rd Book Week of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 965 cultural programs will be held across the province.

He announced the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Ahar Library, and the honoring of the scientific and cultural status of Haj Mohammad and Haj Hossein Nakhjavani, stating: The Nakhjavani brothers have been influential philanthropists in Azerbaijan over the past century, and a significant part of Tabriz’s cultural heritage is known by their name, such that the foundation of the city’s central library was laid with their collected donations as lasting figures.

According to Asad Babaei, during the commemoration ceremony for the Nakhjavani brothers, a list of valuable manuscripts donated by the late Haj Hossein Nakhjavani will also be introduced.