UNESCO, Lebanon move to revive public libraries as community learning hubs

UNESCO and Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture are stepping up efforts to rehabilitate public libraries across the country, aiming to transform them into accessible community spaces that encourage reading, learning, creativity and cultural engagement.

As part of the initiative, Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh visited the Sin El Fil Public Library alongside George Awad, UNESCO’s Information and Communication Programmes Officer, and Hilde Haraldstad, Norway’s ambassador to Lebanon. The visit focused on assessing the library’s needs and reviewing plans to improve its facilities and services.

The delegation toured the library and delivered a selection of books, stationery and equipment. A memorandum of understanding was also signed with the president of the Sin El Fil Municipality, reaffirming a shared commitment to developing the library and strengthening its role in the local community.

The visit forms part of the “Rehabilitating Lebanon’s Public Library Network” project, launched by the Ministry of Culture in partnership with UNESCO, with support from the Norwegian Embassy in Lebanon, The Chris “Loops” Seikali Foundation and MCN Build Foundation.

Minister Salameh said the initiative was based on detailed assessments of individual libraries rather than a uniform approach, recognising that each institution faces different challenges.

“We have developed an ambitious project to strengthen the capacity of all these municipal libraries. But we are not doing this in an arbitrary way,” Salameh said, explaining that officials were visiting libraries and preparing reports to identify their specific requirements.

Some libraries need computers, while others lack new books because the financial crisis has prevented purchases for extended periods. Others require instructors to lead music, dance and singing activities, or need their electronic equipment refurbished, he said.

“That is why we did not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we prepared a detailed assessment of each library and its needs so that we can respond to them,” Salameh added.

George Awad said UNESCO remained committed to working with its partners in Lebanon to strengthen public libraries through a national network, staff training, knowledge exchange and services tailored to local communities.

He described the Sin El Fil visit as another step towards making libraries vibrant spaces where people can come together and find opportunities for learning, creativity and innovation.

Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Haraldstad welcomed the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to preserve and strengthen public libraries as essential centres for knowledge and community engagement.

“Norway is proud to support this project, which contributes to developing public services and strengthening the role of libraries as inclusive and open spaces for all, bringing local communities together and responding to their needs across Lebanon,” she said.

The project seeks to reinforce the role of public libraries and reading and cultural centres by improving infrastructure, upgrading equipment, expanding services and building staff capacity.

Its first phase focused on training library staff from different regions of Lebanon, equipping them with the skills and tools needed to improve library management and develop programmes that respond to the needs of readers and local communities.

The next phases will focus on improving library spaces, equipment and services, while helping participating institutions attract more readers, particularly children and young people. Plans also include expanding cultural and educational activities to make libraries more welcoming, engaging and accessible to all.

The Ministry of Culture, UNESCO and their partners have reaffirmed their commitment to working with municipalities, public libraries and other institutions to expand access to knowledge, encourage reading and strengthen cultural life across Lebanon.

The work at Sin El Fil is part of this wider national effort, with further development planned for public libraries in different regions. The initiative aims to build stronger, more sustainable institutions that respond to community needs and foster a lasting culture of reading and lifelong learning.