Benghazi – The head of the Preparatory Committee for the Benghazi International Book Fair, Major General Bashir Al-Najeh, expressed his pride in the launch of the new session of the fair. He noted that this event was the result of intensive efforts that lasted for many months, which included studying the site and improving the infrastructure of the National Library, which is returning to life after a hiatus of more than fifteen years.
Al-Najeh confirmed to the Libyan News Agency that the work was carried out in full coordination between the Ministry of Culture, the fair’s management, and the executive bodies to restore the National Library to its true role as an incubator of culture and thought. He pointed out that it was fully renovated in terms of electricity, water, sanitation, and general preparations to appear in a new form befitting the city of Benghazi.
He explained that the current session is distinguished by wide Arab and international participation, with more than ten Arab countries taking part alongside twenty Libyan publishing houses, both public and private. This is in addition to four distinctive pavilions, most notably those of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defense, the security agencies, and the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, along with a pavilion for folk and heritage collections that reflect authentic Libyan identity.
He indicated that the fair includes more than 100 pavilions showcasing over 30,000 titles in various fields, including literature, culture, science, sociology, economics, and children’s books. He noted that the current session includes parallel cultural, artistic, and literary programs with the participation of students, artists, and writers.
He added: “Our goal with this fair is to instill cultural values in the new generations. The child who sees theater, songs, and books today will be the creative doctor, engineer, and officer of tomorrow, and this is our message: building people before buildings.”
Al-Najeh also praised the visit of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Chief of the General Staff, and the Prime Minister of the Libyan Government to the fair’s corridors, stressing that their praise for the efforts made reflects the great support that national culture and its major projects enjoy in Benghazi.
Al-Najeh concluded his remarks by affirming that each session of the fair represents a step towards international recognition, expressing their ambition for the Benghazi International Book Fair to transform from a local event into a global cultural phenomenon that represents Libya’s bright, civilized face.
The fair will continue for several days, including signings for local and Arab books, as well as intellectual seminars and cultural and artistic meetings that keep pace with the renewed cultural movement witnessed in the city of Benghazi.