Latakia-SANA
(Reading for All) is the title of the celebration through which the Children’s Library Association in Lattakia chose to celebrate its 15th anniversary as the first public library for children in Syria that was able, through books specialized in children and the family, and interactive activities aimed at creating a safe educational and entertaining space for children and parents.
The association, which since its founding in 2007 has raised the slogan “I have the right to read” and has endeavored to activate it by opening its doors to children from the age of six months and above, includes on its shelves thousands of titles of children’s books and stories that include all ages, in addition to guidance and educational books directed to parents And many departments that attract the child and bring him closer to the world of books, such as the reading department, theater, languages, computers, music and cinema.
Fatima Shahrour, Executive Director of the Society, indicated in a statement to SANA reporter that the celebration aims to attract the child to the library and the book within an atmosphere that provides him with many interactive activities, noting the great turnout that the event enjoyed by children and parents.
She pointed out that the event was held over three days, during which hundreds of children were welcomed, who participated in selecting stories and writing a summary about them and placing it in the knowledge box to choose the best summary in the closing celebration today, which included a puppet theatre, story and drawing workshops, in addition to interactive and entertaining games with children.
Shahrour pointed out the importance of the Children's Library Association as the first interactive library in Syria targeting all age groups with a wide range of activities capable of contributing to building the child's personality, developing his abilities, discovering and refining his talents, and purposeful entertainment through puppet theater, reading a story, learning languages and chess, learning about astronomy and learning the arts of drawing. Of various kinds, and others, in addition to activities for adults, including music education for adults, courses for learning embroidery, crochet, and fashion design, with a permanent presence of a book and cinema club.
Shahrour noted these activities, which constitute an important complement to the work of the association, especially that the library's funding is self-sustaining and, in addition to the special work team, depends on volunteers, most of whom were visitors to the library and accompanied it since its inception, to later become a volunteer and presenter of active projects.
According to Shahrour, the association is keen to host many events in cooperation with official authorities, NGOs and initiative owners, stressing cooperation with any party and adopting any project as long as it serves the association’s goals and vision in working with the child and the family.
It is noteworthy that the Public Children's Library Association was established by a decision of the Ministry of Social Affairs in 2013 to provide cultural, social and recreational services for children and young people.
Fatima Nasser
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