A new public library with more than 5,000 books was inaugurated in Khan Abad district of northern Kunduz province on Monday.
 
German government funded AFN 4.5 million for the project, which will enable people, especially students, in Khan Abad and adjoining areas to read books on wide range of subjects.

Many senior provincial government officials, school teachers, students and community elders attended the ceremony.
  
“This library will give easy access to books which will increase knowledge of people in Khan Abad district. The onus lies on us to make the culture of book reading alive,” said Hayatullah Amiri, governor of Khan Abad district.
  
Besides stocking 5,000 books, the library also has two separate reading halls – one for women and one for men. Women will also therefore be able to use the library facilities.
  
The collection of books includes literature for students and aspiring public servants. Giving women access to these books increases the likelihood of their equality in job prospects.
  
The decision for the construction of this library was taken by the District Development Committee (DDC) in Khan Abad.
  
Technical and financial assistance for planning and managing the construction and equipping the building came from Germany’s Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through its regional capacity (RCD) programme.
  
RCD supports development priorities in six northern provinces, while at the same time providing training and coaching programmes for civil servants.