In a recent literary event held at the Bait Ali Qana Cultural Center in Tripoli, Libya, a used book fair was organized under the slogan "From Reader to Reader: The Story Continues." The event, which took place from October 1 to 3, 2026, featured a range of activities, including discussions on Libyan literature, book production, and the reality of libraries. The event was attended by a number of writers, journalists, and those interested in reading and writing.
The event included a meeting with writer Mansour Boushnaf and novelist Kawthar Al-Ferjani, who participated in a discussion titled "Creative Writing: Where Does the Story Begin?" The discussion, moderated by engineer Yosra Al-Masoudi, focused on Libyan literature, the Libyan book, and the challenges of its dissemination. Boushnaf noted that Libyan literature has unique features but has not been widely read.
Boushnaf attributed the limited spread of Libyan literature to the dominance of Eastern Mediterranean literature, which tends to overshadow literature from other regions, including Libya. He also pointed out that Libyan writers often form their creative identities based on external influences rather than internal ones, resulting in a sense of disconnection from their own literary heritage.
Kawthar Al-Ferjani, a novelist, shared her experiences with writing, revealing that her interest in writing began at a young age. She noted that her early writings were influenced by her love of drawing and storytelling. Al-Ferjani's work includes a collection of short stories titled "Hayy Al-Qittas Al-Saman" and a novel titled "Al-Qa'id."
The cultural center where the event was held has a long history of promoting cultural and intellectual activities in Tripoli. The center's library has been a hub for literary and intellectual discussions, and its programs have included meetings with writers, poets, and other cultural figures.
The event also highlighted the challenges faced by libraries in Libya, including limited resources and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these challenges, many libraries in Libya continue to play a vital role in promoting reading and learning. The country's literary scene has been affected by various factors, including the lack of a strong reading culture and limited access to books.
The used book fair at the Bait Ali Qana Cultural Center was a significant event that brought together book lovers and writers. The event provided a platform for discussing the state of Libyan literature and the challenges it faces. It also highlighted the importance of promoting reading and learning in Libyan society.
Key points
- The event aimed to promote Libyan literature and reading culture.
- The challenges faced by Libyan literature include limited spread and lack of resources.
- The event provided a platform for writers and readers to discuss the state of Libyan literature.
