Teacher establishes first school library in Ba’aj to promote student reading

NINEVEH — A teacher in western Nineveh has established a school library in Ba’aj district. The library, located at Al-Hamzah bin Abdulmuttalib Intermediate School for Boys, was created through the personal efforts of social studies teacher Ali Tabour Hleel.

The library currently contains over 550 books, including scientific and cultural texts, religious works, novels, and school curricula.

Hleel told 964media that he launched the project out of a belief in the importance of reading for building student awareness and intellectual growth.

“This initiative was carried out through personal efforts with help from friends, colleagues, and students,” Hleel said. “I hope it will help embed a culture of reading both in and outside the school.”

The collection includes religious works, the complete works of Iraqi sociologist Ali Al-Wardi, major novels by Fyodor Dostoevsky, as well as books by local authors from Ba’aj. Scientific books in history, geography, and English and Arabic languages are also part of the collection.

According to Hleel, the library has attracted significant interest from students and local readers since its opening, reflecting local demand for cultural initiatives.

The project aims to support the educational environment in Ba’aj and contribute to building an informed and educated generation in the region, he added.