Public libraries across Iran will stage a nationwide reading initiative this winter aimed at celebrating fatherhood and promoting literary engagement. The event, titled “Jan Pedar”, has been organised by the National Public Libraries Agency with support from the Ghadir International Foundation and will run from 10 to 13 Dey 1404 (Persian calendar).
Jan Pedar national reading event
The four-day programme centres on a series of activities that invite fathers and their families to revisit texts of personal and historical significance. Among the planned items are public readings of the letter attributed to Imam Ali to his son Imam Hasan, collections of fathers’ letters and notes to their sons, and displays of recommended reading lists drawn from library holdings.
Organisers say the initiative aims to strengthen family bonds while encouraging citizens to make fuller use of local libraries. Events will include recorded and live readings, father-to-son testimonials, practical ethical recommendations, and short pieces that describe life experiences and hopes delivered in a personal, affectionate tone. Library teams will also curate book exhibitions and produce posters to accompany the events.
Local library directors have been asked to tailor the programming to their communities. Smaller branches may focus on intimate reading sessions and handwritten notes from fathers, while larger libraries are expected to host exhibitions of recommended titles, panel discussions and workshops that explore parenting, ethics and faith. Materials will reflect the religious and cultural context of the commemorative dates, but organisers stress that the programme is open to all families who wish to participate.
By placing fathers at the heart of a national cultural moment, the Jan Pedar event seeks to highlight the role of intergenerational storytelling in transmitting moral values and social memory. Participants will be encouraged to record short reflections and to recommend books that informed their approach to parenthood. These contributions may be displayed in libraries alongside curated book selections to provide visiting patrons with a range of perspectives.
Information on participating libraries and schedules will be available locally. Interested readers are invited to visit public libraries across the country for details about sessions, opening hours and any associated exhibitions. Library staff will provide guidance on how to submit written or recorded contributions for inclusion in local displays.
Officials from the National Public Libraries Agency said the collaboration with the Ghadir International Foundation reflects a shared interest in promoting reading and cultural participation at community level. They described “Jan Pedar” as a civic initiative that combines religious remembrance with civic education, cultural programming and outreach.
The event also forms part of a wider effort to encourage year-round use of public libraries as spaces for dialogue and learning. By inviting fathers to share personal notes and to recommend books, organisers hope to build stronger ties between libraries and the families they serve and to create a repository of personal stories that can be preserved for future visitors.
Residents seeking more information should contact their nearest public library. The nationwide nature of the event means that many branches will present parallel activities, giving families multiple options for participation during the four-day period.
Key Takeaways:
- The Jan Pedar national reading event will take place across public libraries in Iran from 10 to 13 Dey 1404.
- Activities include readings of historic letters, fathers’ memoirs, ethical recommendations and book introductions.
- The initiative encourages father–child dialogue and community engagement through library displays and posters.
- Public libraries nationwide will host the Jan Pedar national reading event and related exhibitions.
