ASSABIL Association


Assabil Association is a non-governmental association founded in Lebanon in 1997 to establish and promote public libraries in the country in order to support democracy. The association has set up four objectives:
  1. Establishing, promoting, and supporting a network of public libraries throughout Lebanon.
  2. Sponsoring cultural and social activities that encourage people to come to the library.
  3. Establishing a training program for librarians and others who work in libraries.
  4. Encouraging the production of books and educational materials in Arabic – especially for children.
With three municipal public libraries and one original bus-library concept, Assabil Libraries continue to try to achieve their purpose of creating and providing public libraries for cultural exchange and access to information and books. It supports a network of 30 public libraries in rural areas of Lebanon and is one of the projects funded by AFAC.

Libraries

In Beirut, Assabil Libraries created three public spaces suitable for adults and children, in Bachoura, Geitawi and Monnot.

Bachoura

This public library in Bachoura is a municipal public library in the capital, Beirut. The library has books and games in Arabic, French, English, Armenian, German, Tamil, and Ethiopian.

Geitawi

public library opened its doors in 2004 inside the Jesuit public garden. The library has books and games in Arabic, French, English, Armenian, and Spanish.

Monnot

This municipal library is in the Achrafieh Monnot area. A selection of books, newspapers, magazines, and games is available for all ages in Arabic, French, and English.

Kotobus

Assabil and UNICEF joined forces to bring this idea to life and allow a simple bus to tour the country and introduce children to books, under the basic right of education in the declaration of human rights.

Resources and Training Centers

The Resource and Training Center is a resource for librarians, teachers, writers, illustrators, publishers, animators and other practitioners who work to promote reading, books and children’s literature.