TEHRAN- Iran Public Libraries Foundation has announced that 104 public libraries across the country will remain operational throughout the Nowruz holidays amid the ongoing conflict and recent U.S.-Zionist strikes against Iranian soil.

These centers of knowledge will provide essential services to book enthusiasts and students from March 20 to April 3, Mehr reported on Thursday. 

The decision aims to provide a sense of stability and a sanctuary for learning for the Iranian public, the report added. 

The initiative ensures that citizens in various provinces can access educational resources and quiet spaces for reflection during specific working shifts, even as the country navigates the challenges posed by the current geopolitical situation.

The distribution of these active libraries spans the entire Iranian land, with Khorasan Razavi province leading the effort with 13 open branches. Other high-capacity regions include Bushehr with 12 libraries and Yazd with eight. The provinces of Khuzestan and Zanjan will each have six libraries in operation, while five branches will be active in both East Azarbaijan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. Furthermore, four libraries will serve the public in each of the provinces of West Azarbaijan, Fars, Sistan and Baluchestan, North Khorasan, South Khorasan, and Mazandaran.

The commitment to public service extends further to more localized regions, with three libraries remaining open in Ardabil, Isfahan, Gilan, and Golestan. Meanwhile, two branches will operate in Semnan, Qazvin, Kordestan, Kerman, and Hamedan, with Alborz, Markazi, and Hormozgan each keeping one library active. 

SAB/