The lack of public libraries in several districts and the shortage of learning resources in Samangan’s provincial center have become one of the serious challenges facing education and the promotion of reading culture. As the need among youth and students for updated books and academic resources continues to increase day by day, limited access to library facilities has made it difficult for many readers to find reliable learning materials.
Cultural officials in Samangan say that efforts are underway to expand libraries, but some youth and readers emphasize that the existing facilities do not meet their reading needs.
Mehrabuddin, a 21-year-old student studying the field of education in Samangan, says reading plays an important role in intellectual growth and raising awareness among youth. He identifies the shortage of libraries and reading resources as one of the main factors limiting youth access to books.
He adds that libraries with a wide range of books from different fields should be established in schools, religious schools (madrasas), and cultural centers.
“Books have different effects. Every school and religious school, especially the Department of Information and Culture, should have general and specialized books covering various social, scientific, and other fields. Currently, we have only two libraries in the provincial center. Our suggestion is that the government pave the way for establishing more libraries,” he says.
Edris, a 22-year-old economics student, also considers the shortage of libraries one of the main barriers to youth accessing learning resources. According to him, the lack of sufficient libraries, particularly in districts, has reduced opportunities for youth to read and increase their awareness.
“At least two or three libraries should be established in every district because when there are no libraries, youth will be deprived of much information in fields such as history, biology, and chemistry. More libraries should also be established in the provincial center so that youth can use them,” he says.
In addition to students, teachers also emphasize the importance of libraries in improving the quality of education and strengthening the learning process.
Nargis Ahmadi, a teacher in the field of education in Samangan, says the absence of libraries takes away opportunities for research and further study from students and university students, negatively affecting their academic and intellectual development.
“Establishing libraries makes an important contribution to the education system. The absence of libraries has a negative impact on the learning process and the scientific and intellectual growth of students. Students need to study and conduct research beyond their textbooks, and libraries provide them with this opportunity. In the absence of libraries, this opportunity is taken away from them,” she says.
Najibullah Nahzat, a teacher at a school in Samangan, also says that despite the expansion of technology, books and libraries remain fundamental to the education system.
“Libraries play a vital role in the development of students, university students, and youth. They can meet many of their educational needs through libraries. The knowledge and information students gain from libraries cannot always be found in textbooks or even digital resources. We suggest that libraries be established in schools in both urban areas and districts, and that students be encouraged to read,” he adds.
Alongside governmental institutions, a number of local cultural institutions are also making efforts, despite their limited facilities, to promote a reading culture and improve youth access to books.
Tabriz, a 22-year-old from Samangan and director of the “Rah-e-Danesh” institution, says that the existing library facilities in Samangan do not meet the needs of youth.
“There is a public library in our area, and we use it; however, the lack of additional libraries has left students without access to sufficient resources. Our message to officials is that they should expand libraries. One library is not enough for an entire province. Textbooks, novels, stories, poetry, and literature should also be made available to youth,” he says.
Meanwhile, officials at the Samangan Department of Information and Culture say that programs have been undertaken to expand public libraries and increase citizens’ access to reading resources.
Jan Mohammad Amiri, General Manager of Public Libraries at the Samangan Department of Information and Culture, says that two libraries are currently active in the provincial center, and libraries are also active in some districts.
“Youth who visit us mostly complain about the lack of new books and the shortage of libraries. We have shared this issue with the relevant ministry so that the number of libraries in the provincial center and districts can be increased, so that more people turn to reading and promote a culture of reading,” he says.
Abdulkhalil Jawid Sharifi, head of culture and arts at the Samangan Department of Information and Culture, also emphasizes the role of libraries in the intellectual development of society.
“Libraries with diverse resources have an important place in society because they bring together knowledge from many fields. Libraries are essential for the intellectual growth of students, adolescents, and youth, and their absence can negatively affect public awareness,” he says.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) considers libraries fundamental pillars of educational development and lifelong learning. The organization emphasizes that equal access to books, academic resources, and library services plays an important role in improving literacy, promoting a culture of reading, developing critical thinking, and enabling citizens to participate in society in an informed manner.
