Morocco sets objective of 10 million readers by 2010

Moroccan minister of culture, Mohammed Achaari, called here Friday for new efforts to promote reading, and reach the objective of 10 million readers in Morocco by 2010.

Speaking at signing ceremony of an accord between his department and several cultural associations and institutions for the creation of public libraries, Achaari said out of 1,000 to 5,000 copies of new books, only 300 to 2,000 are sold in two years.

Under the agreement, the culture ministry will extend subsidies to 48 associations to help them appropriate spaces and qualified personnel for libraries.

The ministry also earmarked $1.7 million to promote reading and $300,000 to support publishers.

The official surveyed his department's moves in the area, citing publications such as "Al Manahil" and "Attakafa Al Maghribia," itinerant libraries to promote reading in rural areas and, support extended to new writers through of the "first publication" program, and efforts to promote children books.