Books on Wheels: A Mobile Library in Iraq

Welcome to Books on Wheels!

Step aboard and dive into a world of stories and knowledge. With Books on Wheels, you can pick out your favourite books, explore new interests, and connect with a supportive learning community. Our mobile library offers more than just books—you can also reserve a computer for free internet access or connect to our complimentary Wi-Fi for research, learning, or simply staying connected.

Looking to make a difference? Sign up to volunteer with us or bring along friends and family to our upcoming events. Books on Wheels travels to different locations in Mosul and surrounding areas, creating easy access to educational resources and fostering a community built around reading and growth.

مرحبًا بكم في المكتبة المتنقلة

استقلوا المكتبة المتنقلة وانطلقوا في رحلة بين عالم القصص والمعرفة. مع المكتبة المتنقلة، يمكنكم اختيار كتبكم المفضلة، استكشاف اهتمامات جديدة، والتواصل مع مجتمع تعليمي داعم. تقدم مكتبتنا المتنقلة أكثر من مجرد كتب—يمكنكم أيضًا حجز جهاز كمبيوتر للوصول إلى الإنترنت مجانًا أو الاتصال بشبكة الواي فاي المجانية لدينا لأغراض البحث، التعلم، أو البقاء على تواصل

هل ترغبون في إحداث تغيير؟ انضموا إلينا كمتطوعين، أو اصطحبوا الأصدقاء والعائلة إلى فعالياتنا القادمة. تجوب المكتبة المتنقلة مناطقاً مختلفة في الموصل والمناطق المحيطة، مما يتيح سهولة الوصول إلى الموارد التعليمية ويعزز مجتمعًا قائمًا على القراءة والنمو

The mobile library is a collaborative initiative by AGYA members and alumni/ae who are working to reconnect the youth of Mosul with reading, education, and a passion for knowledge. Recognising the profound impact that accessible education can have on communities affected by violent conflict, this project takes a unique approach: transforming a second-hand bus into a mobile library. This mobile library, which is equipped with solar panels to limit its carbon footprint, is scheduled to travel throughout Mosul and its outskirts, bringing educational resources and fostering community connections in areas affected by conflict.

Inauguration of the Mobile Library

High-ranking representatives from schools, higher education institutions, policymakers, and collaboration partners attended the vibrant opening ceremony of the library. The library team extends special thanks to His Excellency Dr. Iqbal Al-Saidaly, Advisor to the Prime Minister, and Mr. Khaled Al-Maslat, Director General of Nineveh Education. Together with enthusiastic participants of all ages, they celebrated Iraq’s first mobile library!

The mobile library was inaugurated on 10 November 2024 at Mosul’s Heritage Foundation, accompanied by a tree-planting ceremony to celebrate this unique project.

The mobile library marks a pivotal milestone in the revival of Mosul's reading culture and library tradition. By providing access to books and online archives, it holds the potential to shape the future of an entire generation.

AGYA member Prof. Dr. Abdulsatar Sultan

The bus is thoughtfully equipped to serve as a fully functional learning hub, featuring computers with internet access, Wi-Fi, and a curated selection of books. These resources are continuously updated through partnerships with local organisations, including the Mosul Heritage Foundation, the public library, and the Mosul Municipality Directorate. Such collaborations ensure that the library’s offerings remain relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the community.

The mobile library also plans to host community events and educational activities specifically designed for young people in Mosul, encouraging them to engage with its resources and helping the library become an integral part of the community. Additionally, students and young professionals are encouraged to volunteer with the mobile library, supporting its sustainable operation while gaining valuable experience.

Raising Awareness and Serving the Community

The broader vision for this project, spanning multiple phases, is to create a sustainable and impactful initiative that raises awareness about the importance of reading across Mosul and its surrounding regions. By establishing this mobile library and fostering connections with local institutions, the project aims to provide every individual—regardless of their location—with access to books and educational materials.

An accompanying study collects data on Mosul's educational landscape, focusing on community needs and the post-war mind-set. This research enables the project to adapt its resources and programs effectively, ensuring the library's offerings are well-aligned with the needs of the community.

Ultimately, this initiative seeks to create a lasting, positive impact on Mosul’s educational environment, instilling a love for reading and knowledge that will benefit generations to come. Stay updated on the latest news and developments of the mobile library through its Facebook and Instagram pages.