Lincoln Reading Lounge opens at the National Library of Pakistan

Lincoln Reading Lounge opens at the National Library of Pakistan

Al-Bab Report

Islamabad, October 25, 2016 -- Ambassador David Hale and Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD), inaugurated the newly renovated Lincoln Reading Lounge (LRL) at the National Library of Pakistan. The corner was remodeled to create a contemporary and comfortable space with added resources for the use of the general public. The new corner provides free access to books, magazines, videos, tech bar, e-books, and eLibraryUSA. Visitors can access a large collection of databases, scholarly journals, e-books, newspaper articles, and multimedia content through eLibraryUSA. In collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, the corner will organize monthly programs for visitors focusing on English language learning, EducationUSA resources, U.S. alumni and cultural programs, and information about the United States. 

“The American Embassy is proud to work with the National Library of Pakistan to open this beautiful Lincoln Reading Lounge,” Ambassador Hale said.  “This project, and others like it, reflect the value both our countries attach to education.”  He added, “This lounge will provide students, researchers, and the public increased opportunities for interaction and collaboration, as well as access to 21st-century creative technology and the internet.”

The Lincoln Reading Lounge (LRL) at the National Library of Pakistan, Islamabad was re-opened following renovation on Tuesday, 25 October 2016.  First established in 2007, LRL is a partnership project between the National Library of Pakistan and the Embassy of the United States of America in Islamabad.

The U.S. Embassy Islamabad runs a network of 18 Lincoln Corners across Pakistan. A Lincoln Corner is a resource center and event space hosted in partnership with Pakistani institutions – in public libraries, universities, and cultural centers – that provides a platform for open dialogue between Pakistanis and Americans, promotes mutual understanding and strengthens people-to-people ties through various programs. LRL is one of these 18 Lincoln Corners.  The Lincoln Corners’ programs and resources attract students, academics, journalists, researchers and Pakistani youth.