A work in progress
By
Mrs Suzanne Mubarak
On the first anniversary of the inauguration of the Library of Alexandria Egypt can proudly claim that it has endowed the world with an international institution of intellectual excellence. In less that one year, the Library of Alexandria has not only completed its basic institutional structure but it has vigorously launched into several activities that sought to address some of the core issues of global concern to the world community. These have ranged from youth employment, to the ethics of science and technology, to freedom of expression, to the impact of science and mathematics education in the 21st century, leading to an international conference on biotechnology, scheduled to be organised in April 2004.
In more than one way, the Library of Alexandria is not simply marking its first birthday; it is celebrating the time-honoured tradition of the ancient Bibliotheca Alexandrina that was founded and flourished on the land of Egypt 2294 years ago. The new institution has reincarnated the spirit, the values and the standards of excellence in which the ancient library took so much pride. During the short span of its existence, the new library can count among its achievements the founding of seven specialised research institutes, the renovation of its manuscript museum, the addition of tens of thousands of books through direct acquisition and private donations, the organisation of scores of cultural, scientific and educational activities, and the establishment of an exploratorium. Visitors, researchers and international figures continue to flock to the library in pursuit of various interests. Associations of Friends of the Library have sprung up in 35 countries of the world, propagating its message and building support for its mission. Rarely in the history of institution- building has so much been achieved in so little time by so few people.
Of all the fundamental values in which the new library is closely following the tradition of the ancient library, none is more important than the pursuit of dialogue. This is more urgently needed today than ever before. In the turbulent contemporary world, the importance of dialogue, tolerance of diversity and the recognition of cultural multiplicity is the only way to stem the rising tide of violence and promote a culture of peace. The role the library is positioned to play as a forum for dialogue among civilisations was highlighted at a recent gathering of Egyptian intellectuals, writers and media representatives that the library hosted. This is also reflected in the many intellectual gatherings convened at the library.
Another significant value the new library has embraced and maintained is the adoption of rationality, the scientific method and a commitment to excellence as the sole criteria for research and programme activity. In so doing, the library followed the path that earned its predecessor a stellar reputation over the seven centuries of its existence. The new library, in its short period of existence, seems to be gaining wide international recognition for its rigorous pursuit of scientific and intellectual excellence in various disciplines.
The Library of Alexandria is one year old. This is just the beginning. In its long journey, the Library of Alexandria will never lose sight of its promise: to be the world's window on Egypt, to be Egypt's window on the world, a leading centre for interaction with the digital age and a forum for dialogue, learning and understanding among the different cultures of the world.
