“Book October”: President Begaj’s Call for Greater Access to Books in Rural Areas

“Alongside efforts to bring readers to books, let us also strive to bring books to readers.” This was President Begaj’s message today during a meeting with writers and publishers, held at the newly opened “Babel” bookstore.

“A pilgrimage of books across Albania, through concrete and creative initiatives from schools, and closer collaboration with state institutions—initiatives aimed at increasing access for readers in rural areas, while avoiding what I would call ‘bureaucratic bunkers,’” were among the key messages conveyed by President Bajram Begaj during a discussion at the “Babel” bookstore in Tirana, in honor of *Book October*.

The President proposed concrete initiatives to advance reading projects, urging that they not remain confined to an annual fair in Tirana. Instead, through collaboration with local institutions, these book festivals should extend geographically to a wider audience.

President Begaj emphasized that writers and publishers must cooperate with institutions such as the Ministry of Education, Education Directorates, schools, and local government officials, to ensure that books reach all areas, especially those that lack access to them. According to the Head of State, Albanians have a strong affinity for books and reading, and thus everyone in a position of influence should take initiatives to make books available, particularly to children and the younger generation.

“Through these initiatives,” the President stated, “young people will have the opportunity, apart from the model often presented on screens today—where an easy, effortless life is promoted—to access an alternative model that encourages thinking, reflection, and analysis.”

“The younger generation lacks the model of achieving success through knowledge and effort,” President Begaj remarked, as he listened to concerns raised by participants regarding the bureaucratic procedures hindering the promotion of books and knowledge.

The President also highlighted the importance of addressing the economic and financial challenges related to the VAT on books, as well as other policies concerning publishing, all while prioritizing initiatives that promote access to books and the dissemination of knowledge throughout the country.

During the meeting, President Begaj shared the concerns raised during his visits to various municipalities about the lack of libraries, and suggested that a portion of school funds or other fiscal reliefs from local authorities be allocated to books.

“I have visited different municipalities across Albania and asked where the library is. I have told them that if you don’t have a library because you have destroyed it or turned it into a billiard hall or something else, give someone who loves books the opportunity to open a café-library, and exempt them from local taxes. I have visited schools and asked school principals to enrich their libraries with new titles.”

The discussion also explored new approaches to engage youth by leveraging modern technologies, such as the distribution of audiobooks and videos, as methods better suited to young audiences.

October reminds us, President Begaj emphasized, that it is the month in which we honor prominent figures in Albanian literature, such as Gjergj Fishta, Migjeni, Dritëro Agolli, and Pano Taçi, whose birthdays fall during this month.

/a.c/