Library re-opens doors eight years after IS attack
ONE of the Middle East’s most import- ant libraries has re-opened eight years after it was destroyed by Islamic State (IS) fighters. When IS fighters occupied the Iraqi city
of Mosul in 2014, one of the first acts of destruction saw the University of Mo- sul’s library targeted. It was later burnt to the ground, with important and valuable collections lost forever. These included periodicals and books dating back to 1700 CE, government records from the founding of the university in 1921 and a number of 19th Century Quran. In all, around one million books and documents were lost. However a campaign to re-instate the library following the overthrow of IS and liberation of Mosul was launched. Last month the library re-opened, in what was described as “an extraordinary moment in the history of our city,” by Sayf Al Ashqar, the university’s secretary general of libraries.
He went on to say: “The library’s reopen- ing is not just important to the students – but to all of us who lived through that terrible time. It is a symbol of new begin- ning and we would like to thank everyone who made it possible.” UK-based charity Book Aid interna- tional has supported the re-opening, helping to raise funds, support and books to re-stock shelves. The charity became involved following an approach from one of the University’s professors, Dr Alaa Hamdon who created the Mosul book Bridge project. He said: “I have always believed that libraries are light houses of knowledge – providing a beacon for those who value learning. ISIS extinguished that light for a time, but now our lighthouse is once again burning bright. Libraries can only thrive when they are full of inspiring, wonderful books – and I join in the Uni- versity community in thanking Book Aid
International for their support.” Book Aid international has so far donated almost 21,000 brand new academic books to the library, in conjunction with library staff to ensure the university is well-stocked in titles that it needs. Book Aid International Chief Executive Alison Tweed said: “There are few places in the world which have suffered a more direct attack on learning than Mosul, and we are incredibly proud to have played a small role in restoring the book collection which was destroyed at the University of Mosul library. We would like to thank the UK publishers who generously donated these books to us as well as all of our financial supporters who make it pos- sible for us to create access to books where it’s needed most.” Sayf Al Ashqar will deliver a keynote speech at this year’s CILIP Conference and Expo – see p. 26 for more details. l
www.bookaid.org
March 2022
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