News

Under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Selim Warde, Minister of Culture, the Main Library at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) organized on May 21, 2011 the inaugural ceremony of the 7th Edition of the Fair of Old Books, Archives and Manuscripts.

Following the Lebanese National Anthem, Rev. Fr. Joseph Moukarzel, Head Librarian, underlined in his speech that this edition of the fair includes additional activities besides the annual gathering of experts in manuscripts and archives, in particular an honoring ceremony for Rev. Fr. Youssef El Achkar, book signing ceremonies, conferences, concerts, etc., mentioning that the highlight of this year’s edition is the exhibition of the archives of Joseph and Adonis Nehme. Furthermore, Fr. Moukarzel emphasized that this yearly organized fair aims to preserve the written Lebanese heritage in all fields; it aims as well to educate families, individuals and institutions about the importance of preserving heritage in general and especially that of our families and towns. He concluded saying “there is no freedom without culture and no culture without freedom. This is what distinguishes civilized people; the mission of Lebanon is indeed to be a medium for the freedom of culture and a milieu for the culture of freedom”.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the attendees toured the exhibition, reading through old books and manuscripts.