Khaydaloo Hosts Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance / Support for Bookstores a Priority for the Ministry of Culture

According to the correspondent of the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Khorramabad, Seyyed Abbas Salehi, who has traveled to Lorestan, visited “Khaydaloo” bookstore on Thursday evening, coinciding with the sixth day of the 33rd Iran Book Week, for a “book tour” and listened to the requests and remarks of the bookstore’s manager.

“Khaydaloo” bookstore, managed by Morad Abdian, has been operating since 1989. During this visit, the minister first wished them well and asked about the number of titles available in the collection.

Morad Abdian, the bookstore manager, referring to the economic and cultural conditions of Lorestan, stated: “This province is deprived, and book sales are low; therefore, we need serious support.”

Following these remarks, the Governor of Lorestan ordered the Director-General of public libraries in the province to provide special assistance in purchasing books from this bookstore.

Furthermore, the Minister of Culture instructed the Director-General of Public Relations and Information of the Ministry that a number of books from this collection should be purchased for libraries and the General Directorate of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Lorestan, to both support publishing professionals and strengthen the scientific and cultural resources of the province.

The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, at the end of this visit, referring to the selection of Book Tour Day, said: “Today was chosen as Book Tour Day, and we came here to offer encouragement. Lorestan is the cradle of knowledge and books, but I did not expect this bookstore to house such a vast collection of books.”

Support for Bookstores is a Priority for the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance

The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, speaking to reporters, highlighted supportive programs for bookstores across the country and emphasized the cultural role of these centers in the development of thought and civilization building.

Seyyed Abbas Salehi said: “Bookstores are not merely places for buying and selling books; rather, they are cultural clubs that keep the lamp of knowledge and culture burning and are considered a haunt for writers and thinkers.”

Salehi announced that seasonal sales with special discounts have provided an opportunity to increase visits by book lovers to bookstores. This plan was also implemented during Book Week and has been well-received.

The Minister of Culture added: “Booksellers can benefit from the capacity of virtual book fairs. Virtual spaces and online shopping provide the opportunity for bookstores across the country to offer new publications.”

He said: “The plan to provide facilities to booksellers for developing store infrastructures began in the 12th government and is still on the agenda. The aim of this action is to boost the bookstore economy and strengthen their position as cultural hubs.”

Salehi, referring to “Khaydaloo” bookstore with over 30 years of history and approximately 200,000 non-repetitive book titles, said: “Such a collection is rarely seen even in many metropolises and Tehran.”

He emphasized: “One of the successful bookstores’ duties is to deliver new publications to towns with speed and thematic diversity so that readers with different tastes can find their preferred books.”

The Minister of Culture considered this bookstore one of the important centers for book reviews in Lorestan province and praised its manager’s efforts for upholding a passion and love for books.

Salehi, while congratulating on Book Week, considered “Book Tour” day an opportunity to appreciate booksellers and added: “Books are the source of civilization and thought-building, and booksellers play an unparalleled role in serving this cultural movement.”