The “Bookline (Book Online) – Digital Book Club and Reading Platform” project, implemented by the “Alternativ” Public Union for Communication and Research with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture, has been successfully completed.
“Elchi” reports that the final event of the project was organized at the Central Library of the Sabail District Library System.
The event was attended by Member of Parliament Elchin Mirzəbəyli, students from various higher education institutions, socially active youth, and literature enthusiasts.
In her speech, project manager Jala Sabirqizi stated that the “Bookline” idea was born to bring books back into the spotlight during a time when reading habits are declining: “With this project, we wanted to show that a book can live not only in libraries but also on digital platforms and meet the reader in a new form.”
The project host, Leyla Samadova, noted in her speech that “Bookline” is the version of her relationship with books transformed into sound and image. “Throughout this project, we reduced the distance between authors and readers, making talking about books more lively and accessible. The environment formed during this period showed that young people have an interest in literature; they just need the right approach and platform.”
Elchin Mirzəbəyli, a Member of Parliament, poet, and public figure who was the first guest of “Bookline,” drew attention to the role of reading in social development, stating that a society that does not read has difficulty becoming a society that thinks, analyzes, and makes decisions: “A culture of reading is not just a matter of individual development; it is one of the main factors that directly determine the intellectual level of society. Such initiatives not only bring young people closer to books but also make a serious contribution to the formation of their worldview.”
Other speakers discussed the importance of the project, noting that “Bookline” has been one of the significant initiatives in terms of reviving declining reading habits in the modern era and making books an integral part of daily life. Through podcasts, discussions, and the online platform organized within the framework of the project, direct communication was established between readers and authors, and the interest of young people in literature was increased. It was stated that “Bookline” is remembered not only as a project but also as a continuous movement for a culture of reading. Discussions covering various genres and meetings held with the participation of well-known writers and poets created new perspectives for the participants. Furthermore, the results achieved during the project were highly appreciated, and the importance of the sustainability of such initiatives was emphasized.
It should be noted that the main goal of the “Bookline” project was to promote a culture of reading by using the capabilities of digital tools, especially to form and develop reading habits among young people.