British Council launches library in Lahore

The British Council launched its library in Lahore on Friday. The ceremony was attended by Sir Ciaran Devane, Chief Executive British Council, High Commissioner to Pakistan, Thomas Drew, Punjab Minister for Schools, Rana Mashhood, Punjab Minister for Higher Education, Zakia Shahnawaz, along with high level dignitaries from provincial and federal governments.
The British Council in Pakistan aims to rebuild and revolutionise its library offer to provide a 21st century experience to Pakistanis. In addition to physical walk-in spaces in Lahore and Karachi, a vast digital library resource are also available that will bring the very best of UK and Pakistan content to the consumers across the country.
With seamless integration between the physical and virtual, the British Council libraries will create a modern cultural relations space for young and old alike. While speaking at the signing ceremony, Sir Ciaran Devane, CEO, British Council stated, "The British Council is a global organisation with a local approach; our library in Lahore is testament to our commitment to creating friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and the world. By bringing the best of UK content, our libraries will position themselves as cultural hubs where an exchange of creativity, connectivity and ideas can take place. The British Council is dedicated to providing long-term impact in the communities it serves."
Minister Rana Mashhood said on the occasion, "Throughout history Lahore has been the hub for dialogue and creative expression with landmarks such as the Pakistan Tea House; where ideas have flowed freely. It is an immensely pleasing to be launching the British Council's library in Lahore that aim to become convening spaces for the youth of Pakistan. We are also extremely delighted to strengthen our existing relationship with the British Council in Pakistan by finding synergies within its library offer to support the government of Punjab in its digital library ambitions across the province."
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Thomas Drew said, "The British Council Libraries have a fabulous legacy in Pakistan. Many people in Pakistan have fond memories of immersing themselves in English language writing in the past. I am therefore delighted to be here to see the reopening of the new, improved British Council library in Lahore. The new libraries in Lahore and Karachi, and the national digital library, will not just offer English language books and material in print and online, but will also strengthen the human relationship between our two countries and offer a space for cultural debate. They will be a great asset for Lahore, for Karachi and indeed the whole of Pakistan."
The British Council in Pakistan has a diverse education, arts and society portfolio, which aims to create linkages between Pakistan and the UK to build the capacity of teachers, students and organisations across Pakistan.