ABOUT ASSABIL
Culture for All
ASSABIL is a non-governmental organization founded in 1997 to promote reading and free access to culture. By creating public libraries as non-sectarian and open spaces for cultural exchange and providing access to information and reading, ASSABIL filled a void in postwar Lebanon.
UPCOMING EVENTS
ASSABIL offers a variety of events for kids and adults, held weekly, monthly and annually in order to encourage reading and offer culture for all.
Storytelling in Bachoura and Monnot
Bachoura Public Library, Bachoura, Isaaf Bldg, 3rd floor, Beirut. Lebanon
Nocturne à la bibliothèque Monnot
Monnot Public Library, Monnot, USJ Street Next to Monnot Theater Beirut, Lebanon
Storytelling in Geitawi
Geitawi Public Library, Geitawi Library, Jesuit Garden, Rmeyl- Geitawi, Beirut ,Lebanon
BEIRUT MUNICIPAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES & KOTOBUS
ASSABIL is commissioned by the Municipality of Beirut to manage and operate the
municipal public libraries in the neighborhoods of Bachoura, Geitawi and Monot.
Our mobile library serves various regions of Lebanon
THE LIBRARY HAS A CHILDREN’S AREA, NEWSPAPER CORNER, AND A COMPUTER STATION.
BACHOURA LIBRARY
The Bachoura Library is the first and largest municipal public library in Beirut. It opened in 2001 and offers a rich and diverse collection of materials in an open and friendly space (350 sqm). The library has a children’s area, newspaper corner, and a computer station.
THE LIBRARY HAS A CHILDREN’S AREA AND ACCESS TO AN ENCLOSED GARDEN FOR ACTIVITIES.
GEITAWI LIBRARY
The Geitawi Library opened in 2004 and is the second municipal public library in Beirut. It is located in the delightful Jesuit public garden. The library (100 sqm) has a children’s area and access to an enclosed garden for activities.
A COZY READING AREA & WORKING SPACES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS.
MONNOT LIBRARY
The Monnot Library opened in 2008 and is the third municipal public library in Beirut. It is located in the culturally rich area of Monnot. Its space (100 sqm) offers a cozy reading area and working spaces for children and adults, internet access, and a wide collection of material.
KOTOBUS REGULARLY CIRCULATES TO CHILDREN IN VARIOUS CHILD CARE CENTERS AS WELL AS PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
KOTOBUS
ASSABIL has been operating a mobile library – our kotobus (“kotob” means books in Arabic) – since 2008, working with disadvantaged children in various child care centers and public schools in Beirut, its southern and northern suburbs as well as in other regions of Lebanon.
50365
BOOKS IN COLLECTION
35000
VISITORS / YEAR
120
CULTURAL EVENTS / YEAR
25000
BOOKS LENT / YEAR
LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES
Check out the latest news and articles about our activites, resources and projects.
Online auction to support Assabil’s activities!
Visit the following link for more info: http://arcacheauction.com In…
Promoting inclusive governance at the local level for women, youth and refugees through debates, workshops and rap in Lebanon: a new project funded by CFLI- Canada Fund for local initiatives
Over the next few months, ASSABIL will implement a new project funded…
كيف تحوّل الأدب من ظاهرة فردية إلى حركة كبرى؟
الياس خوري عن الرواية اللبنانية ما بعد الحرب فاطمة عبدالله- الشرق…
L’Unesco et l’IFLA signent un nouveau manifeste pour les bibliothèques
Outil de défense des missions, des moyens et du rôle des…
RESOURCES & PUBLICATIONS
ASSABIL has produced a range of resources that can be used by librarians, teachers, animators, and caregivers
ASSABIL supports a network of 25 partner libraries around Lebanon.
We organize training workshops to strengthen the associations responsible for local libraries. We also work with teachers to assist them in utilizing the libraries’ resources and benefitting from the tools that are available at our Resource and Training Center.
"We read to understand, or to begin to understand. We cannot do but to read. Reading almost as much as breathing, is our essential function.”
Alberto Manguel
DONORS & PARTNERS
ASSABIL projects are possible because of our partners & the generous support of the following donors
