On 22 September the Afrin Intellectuals Union opened a library called ‘Serdem’ at the Serdem refugee Camp.

Speaking to ANHA, Intellectuals Union member and Library responsible, Avesta Xabûr, said that thanks to the work of the Union and people books were collected to ensure the library provides a good selection of material to read.

Many books were recovered from the houses destroyed during the war, she said, adding that since the opening of the library dozens of people visited it every day. She also said that discussions and talks on the various books are organised in the library.

The library has now three thousand books, mostly regarding politics, economics, philosophy, sociology, but also novels, stories and dictionaries. Books are in Arabic, Kurdish and English languages.

“Books are like water and food. - said Avesta Xabûr - People should not give up books. I wish that reading a book and visiting the library would become a habit among the people of Shehba.”

Orivan Menan, a citizen living in the refugee camp, said: “After opening the library, I borrowed the poetry books of poet Nizar Qebani, as I love poems. Before I did not have the habit of reading, but in time I became used to read. Now I'm going to the library and I tell everyone to widen their horizons by reading books.”