Egypt opens Braille-accessible library in Cairo under presidential directive
Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Ahmed Fouad Hanno, inaugurated the “Noon El-Sahar 2” public library in Cairo on Sunday, ordering the facility to be immediately equipped with Braille publications to mark World Braille Day.
The opening follows directives from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to expand the national network of public libraries. The “Noon El-Sahar 2” public library in Zahraa El-Maadi was developed through a partnership between the Ministry of Culture, Cairo Governorate, the Maxim Charity for Development and Services, and the National Roads Company.
Hanno directed that a section of the library be dedicated to people with disabilities, equipped with Braille-supported resources and ministry-published titles in the system. He stated that the expansion of public libraries is a “fundamental pillar” of the state’s vision for national awareness and preparing a generation capable of meeting future challenges through knowledge.
The 620-square-metre facility houses approximately 11,000 books across various fields. It features a general library hall and four specialised areas: the Noon El-Sahar Cultural Salon, a training hall, an activity hall, and a computer laboratory for training programmes.
Governor Ibrahim Saber said the high demand for the first Noon El-Sahar branch at the Shinzo Abe axis in Nasr City prompted the expansion into Zahraa El-Maadi. He described the library as a successful model of integration between executive bodies and civil society.
Naglaa El-Sahar, founder of the Maxim Charity, stated that the library aims to create an open space for dialogue and creativity, particularly for children and youth.
The library operates under the technical supervision of the Misr Public Library, headed by Ambassador Abdel Raouf El-Reedy. Several Ministry of Culture sectors contributed to the project, including the General Egyptian Book Organisation, the National Centre for Translation, the Cultural Development Fund, the Supreme Council of Culture, the National Centre for Child Culture, the National Library and Archives, and the General Organisation for Cultural Palaces.
The Minister confirmed that the ministry will continue to provide technical and logistical support to ensure the sustainability of such projects and ensure cultural services reach citizens across the country.
The post Egypt opens Braille-accessible library in Cairo under presidential directive first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.