Azernews.Az

By Narmina Mammadova

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.”
MarcusTullius Cicero

There are networks of excellent bookstores that are well equipped with everything necessary in our city. But with all this, people did not have enough of such a concept and environment, which were created in the Baku Book Center.

The Baku Book Center was created under the initiative and with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation on August 28. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening and cut the ribbon symbolizing the inauguration of the center. The head of state and his spouse wished success to the activities of the Baku Book Center. It was officially opened to visitors on September 1, 2018.

The Center is located near the Khagani park (Molokan garden) on an intersection of Uzeir Hajibeyov and Gogol streets and occupies an area of 2,500 square meters. The book center was built on the site of the former hospital. The building was not demolished, just restored.

The Baku Book Center offers a wide range of books of various genres in Azerbaijani, Russian, Turkish, English, Chinese, French, German, Arabic and other languages. There is a convenient search for the right book thanks to the installed touch monitors. Guests of the Book Center, along with various publications, will also be able to purchase Azerbaijan’s national brand “I love Baku” souvenirs and “Azermark” products here.

Comfortable sofas and cozy chairs, soft cushions scattered on the second floor, Coffeemood cafe with aromatic coffee on the first floor- all this creates a comfortable home environment.

There are children's books and special literature on the second floor. A small corner is dedicated to the national leader, which underlines his modesty.

You can go deep into the hall and there - in a hidden corner - sit on the wide window sills with soft pillows. Here is a view from the window, and quiet solitude, which will allow you to hide from reality and go into the world of fantasy.

Considering the interest and demands of consumers, the activities of the Book Center are expanding. Free "Communication Clubs" in foreign languages ​​for children and adults have already begun to work, youth and children's clubs for book lovers have begun to function, where representatives of certain ages gather and discuss the books they have read.

Not so long ago, an event for children with visual impairments in conjunction with the Children's Library after F. Kocharli was also organized at the BCC. The children met at the Center, read books on the Braille method, listened to audio books. Thus, the Center is trying to reach different social and age groups and, of course, not to forget about people with disabilities.

Another feature of this wonderful temple is a zone for events, where meetings with writers, historians, cultural and art workers are often held. Since the opening, such famous people as the national writers of Azerbaijan Anar, Chingiz Abdullayev, Elchin, historians Dilara Seidzade and Fuad Akhundov have been guests of the Center. The Day of Music was celebrated at the BCC, as part of the Nasimi Festival organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Gejelkhan Majlis was held at the BCC, an evening of French music and poetry was organized jointly with the French Embassy. Within the framework of the project "Ulduzla oxu", the center's guests were popular singers Tunzala Agayeva and Miri Yusif, as well as famous TV presenter Nargiz Jalilova.

The opening hours are Monday-Saturday (10: 00–23: 00), Sunday (11: 00–23: 00). The entrance to the Center is absolutely free. And if you decide to buy a book for a home library or as a gift, then it will be inexpensive. You can also order the book you need.

The price policy of BBCs is very flexible, and the costs are very affordable. After all, reading should be accessible for everyone, regardless of financial possibilities. No one should deny themselves the acquisition or reading of their favorite books. As the Director of the Baku Book Center Gunel Rzayeva said, the low prices established at the Center were not a marketing ploy at all, but the promotion of literature and reading. To some extent, the complex has the library system. Anyone can choose his/her favorite book, sit in a convenient place and read it. So the main purpose of the Baku Book Center is to support motivation to read and to encourage people's interest in books.

In general, the interior, design, atmosphere is benevolent and disposes to reading and self-education.

All human wisdom stored in books and books are in libraries. After all, it was not for nothing that the great Russian and American poet J. Brodsky said "Freedom exists in order to go to the library".

Therefore, dear book lovers, do not waste your time in vain, better visit this magical land of books and enjoy the evening!

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