It is planned to turn libraries in Bishkek into co-working centers. Mirlan Parkhanov, head of the Department of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Work with Youth, said at a meeting of the Standing Committee of Bishkek City Hall on Social Issues.
He pointed out that libraries require renovation and a new approach. «We have a vision to turn them into co-working centers. Today, children don’t really like reading books, but interest in libraries might increase, if they could access the Internet there,» Mirlan Parkhanov said.
He added that sponsors could be involved in transformation of libraries. «IT companies are ready to help. There are small areas, I think we can find sponsors and partners,» the head of the department said.
He noted that last year 2 million soms were allocated from the budget for renovation of the library and this year three more libraries are to be renovated.
MP Zhanybek Asanbekov noted that this is not a new idea. In the last convocation Askar Kuruchbekov instructed the Department of Culture to create a co-working center. The Chingiz Aitmatov library was chosen on the basis of that order, and the deputy helped finance it. It is planned that the first library with a co-working center will open this year.
A co-working space is a space where anyone can find a temporary or permanent workspace. Such centers are also used for business or friendly communication.
