Saudi Gazette If you cannot go to the books, the books will come to you. This is the message conveyed by the mobile libraries which are currently driving around in the city of Al-Taif and are a part of an innovative and smart initiative taken the government officials to encourage the habit of reading among the residents of the Kingdom. A ‘Read' was the first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from his Lord. Reading and seeking knowledge are highly regarded in Islam. Yet, we rarely find the passion of readers among people in Saudi Arabia. We don't see travelers in the Kingdom's airports reading while waiting for their flights, nor do we find children here picking reading as a fun pastime to ease their burden of boredom. This aloof attitude towards books is sure to change in the near future. With such initiatives by government officials such as the mobile library, more and more people will start gaining interest in reading. King Abdul Aziz Public Library packed 3,000 books in a large bus and sent it to Al-Taif during the Souk Okaz activities. The books were displayed in an organized and attractive fashion and they ranged from children's books and general interest genres to scientific, historical, and social books. Visitors were welcomed to read any book and also borrow books if they adhered to the conditions. The goal of moving libraries is to foster a strong relationship between people and reading by taking books to people who many not have access to a library. It shows that reading is for everyone, irrespective of their age, nationality, economic status or social background. Abdullah Al-Mukbil, Director of the mobile library which is sponsored by King Abdul Aziz Public Library, promised that this moving library will continue to operate and that more numbers will be added in different regions throughout the Kingdom. He said that these libraries on wheels will promote reading, spread awareness on the importance of education, and will give the youth the tools they need to improve their skills and better qualify them for the job market. In Riyadh, there is a women's only mobile library too. “There are already 2 mobile libraries going around and more are in the making. The destinations of the moving libraries will include almost any place where lots of people typically gather. The buses will go to beaches, parks, shopping areas, malls, festivals, and exhibitions across the Kingdom. We are also planning to have the mobile library visit schools to encourage reading,” said Al-Mukbil. These buses full of books will provide several other services which are offered by regular libraries, such as programs to curtail illiteracy, youth activities, and tutorial services to assist students in their school work. A supervised borrowing system is being carefully planned and will be implemented soon. The mobile library will also have internet access, a photocopy machine, and volumes of educational references and research sources. So, look out for the library on wheels because it will be coming to your city soon! __
