From Sharjah to Beirut ... an initiative that restores damaged libraries

Bodour Al-Qasimi: "Just as there are families who lost their homes, there are books and paintings that have no shelter."

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Vice President of the International Publishers Association and Chairman of the Advisory Committee of Sharjah, the World Book Capital for the year 2019, has called for support efforts to reform the cultural face of the Lebanese capital, and to allocate part of the initiatives to save libraries, art galleries, music houses, and associations whose work has ceased, following the explosion of Beirut Port. Intended to restore and develop a number of libraries that were damaged in the explosion.

The initiative of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi targeted three public libraries run by the "Al-Sabeel Association", and includes the restoration and rehabilitation of the "Mono" library, and the modernization of equipment in the "Al-Bashoura" and "Al-Jeitawi" libraries, in addition to providing institutional support to the association that was established in 1997. One of the non-governmental organizations active in supporting public libraries in Lebanon, to be free of charge.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, in announcing the initiative, sent a message of solidarity to the members of the Lebanese community, confirming that what they live is not a difficult circumstance for them alone, but there are millions of Arabs who feel what they suffer and stand with everything they can by their side.

She said, “The need to pay attention to the Lebanese libraries and cultural centers is parallel to the need to take care of the humanitarian cases left by the Beirut explosion. At a time when we stand by the people affected by their work and homes, we must not forget the civilized face of the city, and not lose sight of the value that its libraries, art galleries and creative institutions carry, The return of these institutions and centers to life again gives the Lebanese the strength to continue their advancement, and preserves for us Lebanon’s ancient cultural history. ”

She added: “We hope that local, Arab and international initiatives and efforts will continue to support the return of cultural life in Beirut, and we look forward to the supportive humanitarian institutions giving them priority in the restoration and reform projects that they are leading. Just as there are families who have lost their homes, there are books, paintings and musical instruments that have no longer their homes, and no longer. You find someone who cares for her to complete the message of awareness and love. ”

For his part, the head of the Assabil Association, Engineer Ziad Boualwan, said, “All we aspire to is that the book remains close to the readers, free and available, especially for the new generations upon whom we hope to continue the march and work for the reconstruction and advancement of Lebanon, and the existence of this kind of The initiatives renew in us the determination and hope to complete our cultural goals.

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