On behalf of His Excellency the Minister of Culture, the Secretary-General of the Ministry, Dr. Nidal Al-Ayasrah, inaugurated the Cultural Book Fair organized by Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan Library. Eleven publishing and distribution houses participated in the event, which was attended by University President, Professor Mohammad Al-Majali, deans of faculties, and members of the teaching and administrative staff.
In his speech during the ceremony, Dr. Al-Ayasrah cited Quranic verses, Prophetic hadiths, and poetic examples confirming the importance of reading and knowledge in building individuals and society. He expressed his happiness at being at Al-Zaytoonah University, saying, "I am pleased and honored to be among you, representing His Excellency the Minister of Culture, in this academic institution of which we are proud, and which has witnessed remarkable development during the reign of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein." Al-Ayasrah extended his warmest congratulations to His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on the occasion of Independence Day, stressing that "independence is not limited to celebration, but is embodied daily in work, achievement, and building cultural and civilizational awareness.”
The exhibition coincides with the Kingdom's celebrations of its 79th Independence Day and the King's Accession to the Throne Day, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of reading and knowledge and enhancing the role of culture in building societies. During the opening ceremony, the university honored the entities that most engaged with the library and utilized its holdings. Faculty of Arts won first place among faculties, while Dr. Maha Al-Qadi (Department of English Language and Literature) received first place among faculty members in recognition of her ongoing activity and organization of student visits to the library. Students Rama Nofal and Razan Al-Amiri (Department of French Language and Literature) were also honored for being the most frequent book borrowers, according to the library's records.
The honor also extended to the publishing houses participating in the exhibition, in recognition of their contributions to spreading knowledge and enhancing cultural awareness.
The exhibition continues until next Wednesday and welcomes visitors from various colleges and local community, as part of supporting the cultural scene and strengthening students' relationships with books.
Under the patronage of the Library Director, Mr. Muhammad Naddaf, an introductory workshop was held on the services and holdings available in the University Library for faculty members of all specializations. This was to encourage and motivate faculty members and students to benefit from the paper and electronic services and holdings, and to discuss some matters of interest to them related to the library.