BAMYAN CITY (SW): Impressed by the efforts of a local book lover in Bamyan, legendary Brazilian lyricist and novelist Paulo Coelho has vowed to gift his books for the mobile library in this central province in Afghanistan.
Nearly nine months ago, Saber Hussaini launched a mobile library in Bamyan. On his bicycle, Saber carried books for children and youths alike. Following this story, perhaps on social media, Paulo Coelho tweeted that he wonders if someone knows Saber and can help him with sending his books to this mobile librarian in Bamyan.
Many of Coelho’s novels and short stories are famous but Alchemist, Veronika Decides to Die, The Winner Stands Alone and Eleven Minutes are the most famous pieces written by him. Paulo Coelho’s stories are translated into 56 languages worldwide and are published in more than 150 countries in the world.
Coelho has founded a trust that aims to help children and elderly people financially. Paulo Coelho was selected as United Nation’s Peace Ambassador in 2007.
Speaking to Salam Watandar, Saber Hossaini said that he was surprised as he heard the news. Saber noted that he was optimist about the future, as his activities caught the attention of such a legendary writer. Hossaini asked the social media users to help him receive Paulo’s books for his mobile library in Bamyan.
Saber’s mobile library had only around 200 books in the beginning, but the number of books kept in his library has now increased considerably. Saber keeps the books in a small box that is placed on the back of his bicycle. He takes the books to more than 11 areas of the city.
With the help of the cultural activists, Saber has launched 5 more libraries in the province. The book lover aims to replicate the idea across the country.
ENDS
