LEBANON - Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture has launched a nationwide initiative to rehabilitate public libraries across the country, aiming to enhance the country's cultural infrastructure.
The project, announced during a ceremony at the National Library in Beirut’s Sanayeh district, is being implemented in partnership with UNESCO and supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Lebanon, the Chris “Loops” Seikali Foundation, and the MCN Build Foundation.
The event brought together Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh, UNESCO Regional Director Paolo Fontani, Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Haraldstad, and Dr. Georges Chadraoui, representing the two foundations, along with library directors and stakeholders from Lebanon’s cultural sector.
The initiative targets Lebanon’s network of 57 public libraries, many of which have struggled with years of underinvestment, economic hardship, and, in some cases, war-related destruction. The first phase of the project will focus on 15 libraries selected from across the country’s governorates.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the rehabilitation effort will include a range of interventions, from complete reconstruction and refurbishment of damaged facilities to the expansion of book collections and the introduction of cultural and educational activities. A budget of approximately $650,000 has been secured from multiple funding sources to support the initial phase.
Officials emphasized that the project extends beyond infrastructure upgrades and seeks to transform libraries into active community spaces. Public libraries outside Beirut currently attract around 125,000 visitors annually.
The ministry aims to double that figure to 250,000 visitors within the next two years through improved facilities, expanded services, and targeted programming, particularly for children and young people.
Speaking at the launch, Ministry Salameh said public libraries play a broader social role than simply providing access to books.
“Libraries are not only places for reading, but also spaces for cultural engagement and diverse cultural activities, and free venues where people from different backgrounds and social groups can meet without discrimination,” he said.
The initiative also addresses urgent reconstruction needs in southern Lebanon. Libraries in the towns of Aitaroun, Majdal Selm, and Bint Jbeil were completely destroyed during the recent conflict and will require full rebuilding.
Minister Salameh noted that temporary prefabricated structures could be installed to restore services in affected areas while longer-term reconstruction plans are developed, pending a sustained ceasefire.
The launch comes as Lebanon continues to face significant economic and social challenges.
