Friday, in conjunction with the centennial celebration of the founding of the Jordanian state, the Ministry of Culture announced the launching of the national program for reading called 'The Family Library' Saturday, under the patronage of the Minister of Culture Bassem Al-Towaisi.

Towaisi said that the program includes the development of the already existing 'Jordanian family library', the establishment of 12 public libraries, the launch of the reading prize, in addition to developing a national reading index.

The Jordanian Family Library project represents the foundation and first building block in the cultural plan started by the Ministry of Culture since 2006. It is sponsored by Queen Rania Al Abdullah and targets establishing a "Library at every Jordanian home".

Towaisi added that the program includes a group of publications on the occasion of the centenary of the Jordanian state in Jordanian studies, Jordanian and international heritage, in addition to various publications on general knowledge, noting that the books will be sold at a symbolic price that does not exceed seven percent of the cost of the book, equivalent to 35 piasters.

He noted that the reading index will be launched to conduct studies and polls about the reading level of Jordanians of all ages, noting that this indicator is unique in the Middle Eastern region, and would contribute to the development of Jordanian cultural life.

Al-Towaisi added that the city of Mafraq was chosen to host the main event of the reading project. He pointed out that Mafraq has historically formed a bridge for communication between Jordan and other Arab countries.

He pointed out that the national program for reading comes as part of a comprehensive development and enlightenment project in various knowledge spheres to complete the path of further success in the Kingdom.

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