A book lending point opens for the first time in Almaty at a shopping mall
A new book lending point operated by the city’s libraries has opened at Adem Shopping Mall in the Zhetysu District of Almaty.
The project is being implemented as part of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s «Reading Nation» initiative and on the instructions of Almaty Mayor Дархан Сатыбалды. The main goal of the project is to make books more accessible to city residents, encourage interest in reading, and promote a culture of reading.
The opening ceremony was attended by renowned writer Нұрдәулет Ақыш, poet Бақыт Беделхан, aitys performer and poet Серік Қали, poet Мұратхан Шоқан, Deputy Akim of Zhetysu District Жанасыл Сабырұлы, representatives of the cultural sector, and city residents.
The new facility was officially opened by Deputy Akim of Zhetysu District Жанасыл Сабырұлы and writer Нұрдәулет Ақыш. In support of the initiative, the writers also donated their books, enriching the collection of the new book lending point with valuable works.
Зарина Айдосқызы, Head of Library Branch No. 14 of Almaty Libraries, highlighted the importance of the initiative in improving access to library services for residents.
«The opening of a new book lending point is an important step in developing an accessible library environment. Such spaces allow libraries to go beyond their traditional format and become part of the everyday lives of city residents. I am confident that the new point will help increase interest in reading, promote a culture of reading, and contribute to the development of a ‘Reading Nation,’ while also becoming a popular destination for local residents», – said Зарина Айдосқызы.
The opening of the book lending point was also positively received by entrepreneurs at the shopping mall. According to entrepreneur Залина, the initiative will help make books a part of people’s everyday lives.
«For us, the opening of a book lending point in this particular shopping mall was pleasant news. In everyday life, there is not always an opportunity to visit a library specifically to borrow books. Now, people can come here during their free time without having to leave their workplace and choose the book they need. I think this is a great opportunity not only for entrepreneurs and employees working here, but also for visitors to the shopping mall. It is encouraging to see books becoming more accessible and available in places like this», – she said.
From the first days, entrepreneurs and visitors of Adem Shopping Mall have supported the initiative aimed at promoting the idea of a «Reading Nation» and have shown great interest in the new service. The book lending point currently has a collection of more than 2,000 books.
In the future, similar book lending points are planned to be opened in shopping malls in other districts of the city, allowing more residents to access books and library services.
The new book lending point is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Residents of the Zhetysu District and all visitors to Adem Shopping Mall are invited to visit the new book lending point, choose a book they love, and discover new stories!
It is worth noting that there are currently 39 libraries operating in Almaty, including 30 city libraries, 7 of which operate 24/7. In addition, 32 autonomous self-service libraries have been installed in high-traffic locations across the city.
