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It is with great pleasure that I am here with you today to inaugurate the Achilleio Municipal Library, which has recently completed its renovation, opening its doors to the public.
This library, a fine neoclassical building, following a decision of the Nicosia Municipality, has been upgraded to meet the needs of today, attracting new readers and serving as a knowledge station. The library contains a rich collection of books and museum materials relating to the history of Nicosia. At the same time, the space will host events, book and author presentations, as well as artists' exhibitions, making it a vibrant cultural centre.
In the digital age, when information travels at lightning speed through digital platforms, search engines, social networks, while the use of audio books tends to replace the traditional printed book, the role of libraries must be upgraded and expanded. They can be transformed into centres of access to a wealth of resources, but also into modern institutions that link generations, promote community development and strengthen cultural identity.
Public libraries are not just "repositories" of printed material, but nuclei of self-development, as well as intellectual and social empowerment.
The Government attaches great importance to the creation of vital spaces that promote education, culture and social cohesion. It is in this context of our policy that the plan for the construction of a new building for the Cyprus Library, which will include services that will strengthen and support other libraries, is part of our policy. This will ensure not only the sustainability and development of the Cyprus Library, but also the strengthening of our entire network of libraries throughout Cyprus.
The Deputy Ministry of Culture, recognising the value of these institutions, already provides ongoing support for the operation and improvement of public libraries. This support includes financial assistance for the purchase of new books and equipment. It provides expertise and training for library staff to improve the services they offer to the public. It ensures that libraries have access to new technologies. Provides support for the implementation of electronic systems. It facilitates networking and cooperation between libraries. Through synergies with various partners and institutions, such as museums, archives, libraries and cultural institutions, we also proceed with the digitisation of our country's rich cultural heritage, contributing to the protection and dissemination of our country's cultural heritage. Finally, we coordinate, in cooperation with libraries, the promotion of cultural activities, seminars and programmes of literacy and cultural education.
Through these efforts, the Deputy Ministry of Culture is strengthening the role of public libraries as important centres of culture and education. It is this support that highlights the importance the Government attaches to the dissemination of education and culture at all levels of society, with a view to the cultural development and intellectual well-being of our country.
And on the occasion of my presence here today, I would like to thank the Nicosia Municipality, through its Mayor, my friend Constantine Yiorkadziis, for the excellent cooperation with all the Departments of the Ministry of State and to ask for this to continue not only in the context of the operation of the Achilles Library, but also for joint cultural actions and activities. We believe that local authorities have much to contribute to the promotion of our cultural identity.
The reopening of the Achilleion Library opens a new chapter of cultural life in the centre of Nicosia. Our aim as the Deputy Ministry of Culture is to contribute to its development and progress.
It is for this reason that we wish the building, which will house the Cyprus Library, to be located on a piece of land near the Ministry of Interior. With the future implementation of this project, the cultural core in the centre of the capital will be enriched, where there will now be the New Cyprus Museum, the Municipal Theatre and the building of the Theatre of Culture. A living multi-place in the centre of the capital, where it will be possible to view the archaeological findings through an experiential narrative of the history of the capital, from the Medieval period until today. Little work remains to be done and we hope that it will soon be delivered, with the inauguration taking place in a few weeks.
At the same time, the development of the Ledron archaeological site in Nicosia, next to the PASYDY building, is continuing, so that it too will soon become an archaeological site open to visitors. Together with the recently inaugurated Ledron Museum, they will attract thousands of visitors.
Nicosia, Lefkothea or Ledra, is a city with roots going back centuries, but also the last divided capital. This fact significantly affects the development and progress of the city's core. However, we firmly believe that its rich cultural fabric, its history, new cultural infrastructure, as well as cultural actions and activities aimed at boosting cultural tourism, can be an important component of development for our city.
In closing, let me again offer my warm congratulations to the Mayor and the City Council, but also to all those who worked for the reopening of this library, for strengthening our education and culture, while preserving the cultural architecture and historical heritage of the city.
(EC/NYAN/MS)
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