Al-Ahmad conveyed the Minister of Culture's greetings to the attendees, wishing success for the twentieth edition's events, noting that the selection of Ain Al-Basha District to inaugurate the Family Library publications exhibition was due to its demographic diversity, density, and creative contributions, as well as its fertile environment for engagement with cultural activities and various events.
He stated that the project reflects the Ministry of Culture's vision toward promoting reading and cultural development, distributing its benefits across governorates and districts, and facilitating citizens' access to sources of knowledge—especially printed books—amid rapid global transformations in digital publishing and artificial intelligence.
He added that the Family Library aims to build an aware and educated society by providing diverse publications at symbolic prices, covering literary, scientific, historical, philosophical, and general knowledge fields, alongside a focus on children's books, which constitute 26 percent of the total publications in the current edition.
He noted that the importance of reading goes beyond being a hobby or passion, serving as a fundamental gateway to building awareness, developing thought and critical thinking skills, embracing knowledge, confronting extremism with enlightened ideas, and reinforcing values of wisdom, balance, and tolerance.
He affirmed that the Ministry of Culture views reading as an investment in human development and a cornerstone for strengthening national identity and building a society capable of facing challenges and participating in shaping the future, explaining that the accumulation and diversity of publications contribute to documenting Jordan's narrative and the story of its land and people.
The Secretary-General began his speech with prayers for the souls of the nation's martyrs, remembering the victims of the tragic incident in Al-Hamoud village in Karak Governorate, the martyrs of Al-Quds and Al-Karama, and all those who fell in places of glory and fields of honor.
The launch of the "Reading Festival for All" events comes within the Ministry of Culture's efforts to encourage citizens, especially children, youth, and school students, to acquire books, promote reading habits, and establish the concept of having a library in every Jordanian household.
The Ministry of Culture had previously announced the authorized exhibition and sales centers for the "Jordanian Family Library – Reading Festival for All" project across all governorates of the Kingdom, aiming to facilitate citizens' access to books and publications and provide families, students, and youth with opportunities to benefit from the project.
In the Capital Governorate, the centers include the National Library Department, the Fine Arts Institute, Amman Municipality Library in Wadi Al-Seer, Badr Library in Nuzha, Zaha Centers in Khalda and Al-Zuhour, the University of Petra, the Scientific College Islamic Graduates Club, Queen Rania Parks in Al-Quwaysimah, and the Al-Boasal Cultural Forum in Muwaqar.
In Balqa Governorate, the centers include Al-Salt Revival Foundation, Al-Zai Cultural Forum, Al-Fuhais Cultural Forum, Ain Al-Basha House, and the Deir Alla Girls Youth Center.
In Jerash Governorate, the centers are distributed across the Jerash Culture Directorate Hall, Al-Khansa Secondary School for Girls, and the Jerash University Library.
In Zarqa Governorate, the centers include the Culture Directorate, Al-Zarqa Private University, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, King Abdullah II Hall in Russeifa, and the Islamic Community College.
In Mafraq Governorate, the centers include the Granada Hall at Al-Al-Bayt University, the Al-Manshiya Girls Youth Center Hall, and the Young Readers Library at Greater Mafraq Municipality.
In Karak Governorate, the centers include Al-Hamoud Charitable Society, Al-Hussein Cultural Center, Al-Qasr Secondary School for Girls, and the Dean of Student Affairs at Mutah University.
In Madaba Governorate, the centers include the German Jordanian University's Building (L) Library, the Luba and Milheh Municipality Hall, and the Charitable Associations Union Hall.
In Tafilah Governorate, the centers include the Tafilah Girls Youth Center and the Tafilah Culture Directorate.
In Ma'an Governorate, the centers are distributed across the Prince Hussein Bin Abdullah II Cultural Center, Al-Shoubak College Hall, and Prince Hussein Hall at Hussein Bin Talal University.
In Aqaba Governorate, the centers include the Learning Resources Center Hall and the Aqaba Culture Directorate.
In Irbid Governorate, the centers include the Irbid Cultural Center, Al-Hussein Bin Talal Library at Yarmouk University, Beit Al-Arrar Cultural Center, Irbid College, and the Northern Mazar Girls Youth Center.
In Ajloun Governorate, the centers include Ajloun College, Ajloun National Private University, and Ajloun's Tell Fereik (Station No. 2).
The project will continue until November 5, as part of the Ministry of Culture's efforts to strengthen reading culture, expand access to books, and reinforce their role in building awareness and preserving national identity.
