NATIONAL LIBRARY BELONGS TO THE NATION
By Gohar Julhakian

Yerkir.am
December 22, 2006

The National Library has the richest collection of books in
Armenia. Many unique and valuable publications are stored at this
library.

It should suffice to note that the library has several items that
cost over one million dollars. The library has followed one principle
throughout its activity – to make the best works of world culture
accessible for the Armenians.

Today the library’s cooperation network has expanded to new countries
and new partners. The National Library has along record of cooperation
with the Library of the US Congress.

The National Library’s membership in the Organization of European
National Libraries (OENL) was an important accomplishment. The Library
is a large academic and cultural institution where the best works of
Armenian and world literature are stored. The Library is the guarantee
of education of the coming generations. Its role in the development
of cultural life of the country is indispensable.

Today the library is facing some problems – it lacks the necessary
modern equipment for storage and repair of books, air conditioning
and heating for its facilities. The Library has not been renovated
for decades. It is impossible to solve these problems with government
funding. It is necessary to find sponsors to cover the renovation
costs.

VIVA CELL expressed its readiness to support the library in solving
its problems. The Library’s Director David Sargsian spoke about the
Library’s accomplishments and problems at a press conference.

He informed that VIVA CELL has provided 9 million drams for renovation
of 16 restrooms in the Library’s administrative building. An agreement
has been signed between the Library and VIVA CELL for renovation of
the roof of the administrative building. Sargsian stated 28 million
drams was allocated from the state budget for the needs of the National
Library in 2006.

"The Library expands its collection through purchase of books,
subscriptions, donations, exchange of literature with other
libraries. 1625 new books were received by the Library in 2006,"
Sargsian noted.

Heating is one of the most urgent problems the Library is facing.

"We heat the Library with electricity. However, we are constantly
afraid that the old cables will be damaged, therefore, we need to
work in a power saving regime," Sargsian noted.

Speaking about renovation of the Library’s building he noted that
experts from the Ministry of Culture are examining the building and
will develop bills of quantities for renovation. All four buildings of
the Library have not been renovated since their construction. Sargsian
said 2 billion drams will be necessary to complete the renovation of
the Library.

Sargsian noted that the government has provided several
air conditioners that were installed in the storage rooms and
archives. Sargsian stressed that we should realize that the National
Library belongs to the entire nation.

It would be desirable if VIVA CELL’s initiative is continued by
other companies and individuals in the country who would understand
that the National Library is the most important, most reliable and
indispensable wealth of the nation.

P.S.- It should be added that only 3-4 floors of the Library’s
multi-storey building are used. The remaining floors are empty, and
any empty or deserted building gradually deteriorates and is ruined
especially that the building was partially robbed during the dark
and cold years.