The Slemani Public Library has a rich history dating back to the 1930s when the legendary poet and journalist, Piramerd, first called upon authorities in his newspaper Zhyan to establish a library as “nourishment for the soul.” Following his advocacy, the library officially opened on October 20, 1944, an event Piramerd celebrated in his newspaper Zhin, famously stating that he valued the opening of a library more than three high schools because “reading is more beneficial than formal study.” Originally established in the Sabunkaran neighborhood under the “Directorate of Education,” the library moved through several locations—including Shekhan and Piramerd Street—before settling at its current location on Salim Street in 1965, where it has since undergone numerous expansions and renovations. After the Kurdish uprising, and through the dedicated efforts of the great poet Sherko Bekas and Mr. Jamal Abdul (both former Ministers of Culture), the administration of public libraries was transferred to the Ministry of Culture of the Kurdistan Region. In 1996, the library’s leadership transitioned into a general directorate, overseeing libraries in surrounding districts. This institution’s legacy has been preserved by a long line of dedicated directors and trustees since 1944, including A.B. Hewri, Muharram Muhammad Amin, Shawkat Muhammad Qadir, Fawzi Rashid, Qadir Muhammad Salih, Muhammad Ajil, Abdulkarim Arif Ahmad, Mahmoud Ahmad, Abdullah Abdulkarim Allaf, Yasin Qadir Barzanji, Awaz Ata Salih (Acting), Omar Obeid Abdulqadir (Ari Baban), Muhammad Aziz Khalid, and the current director, Alan Muhammad Raouf.

Phone: 0533205578


Email: Slemanylibrary@gmail.com