A library named after Abdusaid Kuchimov, a member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Honored Journalist of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Honored Mentor of Youth of the Republic of Uzbekistan, well-known writer, poet, and publicist, has opened in Dehkanabad mahalla of Urgut district, Samarkand region.

In recent years, efforts to promote reading have been carried out in Uzbekistan. The President pays special attention to this issue, and measures are being taken to encourage young people to show greater interest in literature. These efforts are already bearing fruit.

It has become a good tradition to hold the “Young Reader”, “Book-Loving Family”, and “Book-Loving Mahalla” contests. Winners receive automobiles from the President as prizes.

The library, created on the initiative of Abdusaid Kuchimov and with the support of the Urgut district administration, has become another vivid embodiment of this noble work.

– The story behind the creation of this library is quite remarkable, – says Abdusaid Kuchimov’s classmate, labor veteran who worked for many years in the education system, Quddus Asqarov. – Once, when we were talking about books and the culture of reading, Abdusaid Kuchimov said: “Do you notice, my friend, that the attitude of our youth toward books has changed significantly, the number of readers has increased, and libraries have become overcrowded. I have more than 10,000 books in my personal library. Among them are books that I collected myself, and some were gifted to me by my children. Now I want others to benefit from this treasure as well. Every time I come to the village, I take books to the school and give books to my relatives as gifts. I tell my neighbors to take books and read. Some do so, they borrow books to read, but some feel uncomfortable coming and asking to borrow a book”. We also emphasized during the conversation that it is necessary to donate books to schools, libraries, or individuals, but we were unable to reach a decision. A few days later, Abdusaid Kuchimov called and said, “It seems that I have found a way to deal with the books. No one uses the house my parents left me in the village. My children and I live in the capital, and when we come to the village, we stay with relatives, so the house remains empty all the time. Perhaps we could create a library in this house. We will place the books there, and our district will have another library”. Of course, this idea had crossed my mind, but I did not dare to suggest to my friend turning his house into a library. Hearing his words, tears came to my eyes, and I said, “If you have such a noble intention, allow me to lead this work”. This is how we began to establish the library. When the administration of Urgut district learned about our intention, it supported this initiative. Entrepreneurs and book lovers joined us, and the district assisted. Two years later, a beautiful library appeared on the site of the old courtyard.

The writer initiated this noble endeavor with the desire that others could also make use of the books from his personal library and more than 20 of his own works. The number of supporters of this good intention and those wishing to contribute increased, resulting in the collection of nearly 10,000 books.

Most importantly, the National Library of Uzbekistan has included this intellectual institution in its network, providing readers in Urgut district with the opportunity to access works from the country’s main library online.

The Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Plant equipped the library with modern computers and connected it to the internet, linking it to the library of the Navoi State Mining and Technology University.

The Mahalla Association of Uzbekistan, which gladly supports the establishment of libraries in mahallas and promotes this initiative, also donated several computer sets to the library.

The opening ceremony of the new library was attended by prominent scholars, creative figures, deputies, senators, and book lovers.

Deputy Hokim of Samarkand region Khusan Tukhtayev, Rector of Samarkand State University and member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Rustam Kholmurodov, Editor-in-Chief of the newspapers “Khalk So’zi” and “Narodnoye Slovo” Utkir Rakhmat, Head of the Creative Association “Tasviriy Oyna” Isfandiyor Latipov, and others noted the contribution of our people to fostering a culture of reading and the initiative of the famous writer Abdusaid Kuchimov, which will help promote books among the population.

– Abdusaid Kuchimov is not only a sharp-witted journalist and writer, but also a true devotee who cares deeply for his country, his people, and especially the future of the youth of Uzbekistan, – says the First Deputy Chairman of the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan, Minkhodjiddin Mirzo. – The library opened in his native village also confirms this view. The spirit of enlightenment and the breath of a teacher’s word prevail here. Young people come not only to read books, but also to work on themselves, seeking the right path in life. The Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan undertakes to provide this library with books.

– Our mentor Abdusaid Kuchimov, despite his incredible talent, extensive knowledge, and experience, is a very modest, sincere, and compassionate person, – says Editor-in-Chief of the newspapers “Ishonch” and “Ishonch-Doveriye”, member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Khusan Ermatov. – While working with him, I learned about many of his positive qualities. The fact that he organized such a magnificent library in the village where he was born and raised also shows what kind of person Mr. Kuchimov is, and what his goals and intentions are. A large, luxurious house could have been built here, and no one would have objected if he had done so. However, he undertook a noble deed so that young people could read more books and become more educated. We must take pride in this and follow his example. I already have the desire to organize such a library.

All guests who attended the library’s opening noted that the event was a special occasion, and many representatives of the creative community decided to establish similar libraries.

Hokim of Urgut district, Dilmurod Saidqulov, noted that many creative individuals, poets, and writers have come from the district, and that the district administration is ready to support such initiatives.

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Golib Khasanov, photos by Alisher Isroilov, UzA