The Ministry of Sports and Culture inaugurated two libraries – a Public Library and a Children’s Library – at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, in Dhofar Governorate.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr Amer bin Ali al Rawas, vice-chancellor of Dhofar University, in the presence of Musa Abdullah al Qasabi, director general of the General Directorate of Culture, Sports and Youth in the Governorate of Dhofar, and a number of officials from various government authorities.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture said, ‘The public library includes approximately 15,000 books equipped with the latest technologies, with several sections, such as a ‘Reading Section’, and a ‘Computer Section’.’

The Public Library includes collections of major titles, such as ‘Oman through History’, a series of volumes on the Sultanate of Oman in both, Arabic and English, besides government publications, such as the Official Gazette and a large number of cultural magazines and periodicals.

‘The libraries will also conduct many cultural programmes and activities for the community, such as competitions, seminars and workshops, and many other events that keep pace with Arab and international cultural events,’ the statement said.

The Children’s Library contains many storybooks and informative/educative books for children in both, Arabic and English. The library is equipped with the latest technologies, such as display screens connected to the Internet to display educational and illustrated programmes, in addition to special corners prepared for children. It also offers many cultural programmes and activities for children, like cultural competitions, scientific visits and many cultural activities.