The 69th important meeting of the Board of Governors of Punjab Libraries Foundation was held at Quaid-e-Azam Library, Lahore. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Javed Aslam. The meeting approved the launch of the ‘Storytelling Project’ to promote book reading among children. Under this project, interesting, educational and creative storytelling sessions will be organized for the children in libraries across the province, which aim to promote children’s imagination, intellectual passion and interest to book reading.
During the meeting, Secretary Archives and Libraries, Mr. Muhammad Khan Ranjha, apprised the participants of the details of “e-Library” project and highlighted its scientific and educational utility. He also presented suggestions for activating community libraries established across the province, which included points such as training of library staff, provision of books, provision of modern facilities, and involvement of the local community.
He said that adopting a coordinated strategy to promote library culture in rural and semi-urban areas is the need of the hour. Director Punjab Libraries Foundation Mr. Abdul Rehman Asif informed the board during the meeting about the current status of the institution’s endowment fund, transparent strategy for its utilization, and financial regulations.
He presented a detailed outline of the categories of libraries and gave a detailed briefing on the distribution of funds allocated for each category, priorities and targets. Renowned poet and literary figure Mr. Abbas Tabish, who was representing the ‘Idara Tarqee Adab’, not only assured full cooperation in the storytelling project but also proposed other joint projects for the promotion of children’s literature.
Moreover, it was also decided to establish “Library Corners” in primary schools, so that young children can be attracted towards reading from childhood. These corners will contain colorful, attractive and age-appropriate books. The meeting also decided that various educational, literary and training activities would be organized in collaboration with the Institute of Education and Awareness, Institute of Literature Development, and Urdu Science Board.
The distinguished members who attended the meeting included Mr. Athar Ali Khan (Former DGPR), Ms. Kanwal Amin (Vice Chancellor Faisalabad Women University), Mr. Shahid Hussain (Former MD PEPERA), Dr. Nausheen Fatima, Ms. Rakhshanda Kokab (Director Library UCP), and Ms. Bela Jamil (Institute of Education and Awareness).
This meeting was a manifestation of a fresh commitment, practical planning and inter-agency cooperation regarding the promotion of knowledge and literature in Punjab, which will prove to be harbinger of positive changes for the younger generation in the near future.