28 November

President U Win Myint visited the National Library (Yangon) located on Merchant Street in Pabedan Township to inspect renovation works there.

During the visit, the President was accompanied by Union Ministers Dr Pe Myint, Thura U Aung Ko, Dr Myo Thein Gyi, Yangon Region Hluttaw Speaker U Tin Maung Tun, Deputy Minister U Aung Hla Tun, members of the Yangon Region government and departmental officials.

At the briefing hall, Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura U Aung Ko explained about the renovation works, budget expenditures, yearly renovation processes, and tender invitation for installment of the digital library and library automation under the management of the Yangon Region government.

Regarding the reports, the President remarked that the National Library (Yangon) was intended for citizens from all social strata, and that it was relocated to the hub of Yangon city to promote the general knowledge and intellectual capacity of the people and that it would be beneficial for the country.

The President also called for ensuring strict construction standards and cost-effective renovation and stressed the need for the Yangon Region government to closely monitor the tender winning company.

He also said that the National Library would be of benefit to the country if it was widely used by both common people and professionals.

The President commented that the library was seen with fundamental features and modern decorations. He also suggested completing renovation in the scheduled time with the active participation of relevant persons.

Chief Engineer U Myo Myint from the Ministry of Construction briefed on the renovation works, followed by the additional explanations of Chairwoman of Myanmar Library Association Daw Win, Director of Yangon Heritage Trust Daw Moe Moe Lwin, and Minister of Yangon Region government Daw Nilar Kyaw.

Then, the President looked around the developments of renovation works.

Furniture and equipment have been placed at the National Library (Yangon), and library management system is undergoing a detail inspection, together with data entry and linking e-book files with the system. Some 42,383 rare publications, 38,083 books and 2,467 sets of palm leaves inscribed with ancient literature have been moved to the library and the remaining literary items are being relocated.

Next, the President arrived at the Sarpay Beikman on Merchant Street in Pabedan Township.

At the briefing hall, Director General of Printing and Publishing Department U Aung Myo Myint explained the background history of Sarpay Beikman, its objectives, motto, formation of administration council, publishing books and publications, ongoing works of Sarpay Beikman, presenting literary awards, book market festivals, formation of Sarpay Beikman book association, publications of Myanmar encyclopedia series, publication of 100 Myanmar Classic Books Series, and paper reading events.

Union Minister Dr Pe Myint gave additional explanations.

The President then gave remarks on the reports, saying that the Sarpay Beikman emerged thanks to the far-sightedness of national leader Bogyoke Aung San; higher literary status of a country could raise the role of its citizens; development of research works could improve the country.

The President also urged to implement the motto of Sarpay Beikman ‘Bringing forth light and removing darkness’, while all citizens need to develop more reading habits and enhancing knowledge that is required for reform works of the country.

He also remarked that the facts and figures in Myanmar encyclopedias were full of reference materials until now, and appreciated updating these books; it should be informed that the library has many works of reference the researchers. He also advised that the library staff should try to get more registrations of library members.

Then, the President received commemorative gifts and books presented by the Union Information Minister.

The President also looked around the display of library historical documents, photos of veteran literati, public library of Sarpay Beikman, e-library and Sarpay Beikman Bookshop.

Sarpay Beikman is publishing Shwethway journal (weekly), Thuta Padetha magazine (monthly), Concise Myanmar Encyclopedia (Annually) and its award-winning books. It is also setting up public libraries, child libraries, e-libraries and editing of 15 series of Myanmar Encyclopedia, and 100 Myanmar Classic Books Series, while organizing literary development works in collaboration with literati and literary organizations and formation of Sarpay Beikman book association.

The Sarpay Beikman Public Library (Yangon) has 55,081 Myanmar books and 12,317 English books at the main reading room, and 6,228 Myanmar reference books and 5,476 English reference books in the reference reading room giving services to the researchers.

E-library section has collected 25,918 Myanmar books and 898 English books, where books can be found in e-catalogues through computer networks.—MNA

(Translated by Aung Khin)