Moroccan writer chosen member of Alexandria library board of trustees

Moroccan writer Tahar Benjelloun was chosen member in the 22-member board of trustees of the Alexandria library.

The announcement was made Thursday by Egyptian minister of higher education, Moufid Chihab, at a ceremony in Alexandria chaired by Egypt's First Lady, Susanne Mubarak, who is supervising the project to rehabilitate the Alexandria Library.

The Alexandria library, a landmark of science and knowledge in the Mediterranean, was burnt down in Gregorian year 391.

The Library, to open on April 23, 2002, will contribute to the promotion of the Egyptian cultural heritage and the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean basin states, Ms Mubarak and chairwoman of the board said, adding that several Arab and foreign heads of state will be invited to the inauguration ceremony.

The Alexandria library harbors some 400,000 books, 50,000 maps and rare manuscripts and scores of scientific encyclopedia.

The board of trustees is made up of Arab and foreign thinkers, including Egyptian and Nigerian Nobel Prize holders Ahmed Zouil (chemistry) and Yole Soyenka (literature).