Ministry Reports Library Operations and Digitization Efforts on World Book Day

April 23 marks World Book and Copyright Day, an observance designated by UNESCO to promote reading and publishing. Marking the occasion, the Ministry of Information and Culture released updated statistics on the country’s public library network and recent digitization initiatives.

Ministry spokesperson Habib Ghufran stated that 106 public libraries are currently operating across the country, alongside dozens of supervised private facilities. He noted that the ministry has also compiled data on public library memberships within the Economic Cooperation Organization framework. According to Ghufran, the ministry successfully digitized 180 book titles over the past year as part of ongoing efforts to preserve and expand access to literary materials.

In Kabul, bookstore managers and students reported a noticeable increase in youth engagement with reading materials over the last twelve months. One bookstore manager highlighted the growing demand among younger readers and emphasized the need for expanded children’s publishing to meet this interest. Local students and booksellers also called for a broader network of public libraries and continued investment in educational resources to support literacy and academic development.

The ministry’s report underscores a focus on both physical infrastructure and digital preservation within the national cultural sector. Officials indicated that the digitization project aims to make historical and contemporary texts more accessible to researchers and the general public. As World Book Day is observed internationally, local cultural workers continue to advocate for sustained support for libraries, publishing houses, and youth literacy programs.