130,000 books and counting at Bahrain National Library
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
The National Library at the Isa Culture Centre houses an extensive selection of over 130 thousand books spanning a wide range of subjects, said director Dr Mansour Sarhan.
Out of the 130,000 books, 40,000 are set aside for lending, Dr Sarhan said in a statement to Al Ayam on the occasion of International Book and Copyright Day, which falls every year on April 23. He explained that over 5,000 of the books at the library are Bahraini books and literature.
The National Library, Dr Sarhan said, is also digitising Bahraini books. “So far, we have digitised over 1,005 books and will publish it in our database by the end of this year,” he revealed.
He added: “We accelerated the process of digital transformation after the COVID-19 outbreak following a meeting with Arab library directors in Tunis.” “Arab countries are currently digitising their books, and upon completion, we will link the databases to a single network to benefit all.” The centre is currently working with Bahraini writers and authors to sign up for converting their books for electronic publication.
“All of them responded positively and are cooperating with us. “Some of them even provided us with the books that are missing from the library.”
On the COVID-19 challenges, he said, “We tried not to deprive researchers and interested people of our service.” “We served them through prior appointments, one day in advance, to ensure social distancing measures.” “Several researchers made use of our services during the period for preparing their masters’ and doctoral theses.”
The National Library is documenting the works of Bahraini women authors. “So far, we had collected the works of over 25 Bahraini women writers.” Historical researcher Amal Ibrahim Al-Zayani was the first Bahraini woman to publish a book,” he said, adding that there are many bright names in poetry, grammar, law, nutrition, children’s literate, anecdotes and other topics.
“A profile of each of the authors will be published through the official library accounts.” National Library, he said, is also encouraging children to read by holding digital reading competitions.
Sarhan called on all to keep reading, reminding them that it is the best way to educate oneself and build a better future. “No matter whether the book is paper or electronic, what is important is that a person reads to learn and develop,” he stressed.
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