Egypt's Minister of Culture Ines Abdel-Dayem has launched a new project called Mobile Libraries to bring cultural activities and books to local communities, starting last week with Al-Asmarat neighbourhood in Cairo's Moqattam. The initiative includes shows, art exhibitions, and workshops for handicrafts, drawing and colouring. Those attending last week's launch also had a chance to participate in artistic competitions for children and young people, with the winners receiving vital books. The launch of Mobile Libraries is the result of cooperation between several institutions: the National Library and Archives, directed by Ahmed Al-Shawky; the General Organisation of Cultural Palaces, headed by Ahmed Awad; and the New Egypt Association, one of the cultural civil-society associations represented by its general secretary Fouad Helmy. Abdel-Dayem said the Mobile Library will stay in Al-Asmarat neighbourhood until 8 February and then move to Mansheyat Nasser. It will return to Al-Asmarat during the winter holidays so it can continue to benefit the public. Further plans include moving the libraries across other neighbourhoods of Cairo, as well as spreading them to other parts of Cairo Governorate. The initiative's launch is timed to coincide with the ongoing Cairo International Book Fair.
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