Two Iranian library associations have written to the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), condemning recent attacks on public libraries and cultural centres across the Islamic Republic during military actions by the United States and Israel.
In a letter to IFLA President Leslie Weir, the Public Library Association of Iran and the Iranian Librarians’ Association said initial reports indicate that 62 public libraries across various regions of the country had been damaged as of Tuesday, 7 April 2026.
Two public libraries – “Seyed al-Shohada (AS) Hosseiniyeh Azam Zanjan” and “Dehloran Border Regiment Ilam” -have been completely destroyed, the letter stated.
The letter, signed by Azadeh Nazarboland, Secretary General of the Public Libraries Association of Iran, described public libraries as vital components of cultural, educational, and social frameworks.
“Public libraries play a crucial role in fostering public awareness, preserving our collective knowledge, enhancing social cohesion, and ensuring equitable access to information resources,” she wrote.
“The damage inflicted upon these institutions extends beyond the mere destruction of physical spaces; it represents a significant loss to our cultural heritage and the intellectual capacity of our society.”
The Iranian associations noted that attacks on cultural and public institutions violate established principles of international law and obligations recognised in international documents concerning the safeguarding of cultural property, such as the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in Time of Armed Conflict.
The Public Libraries Institution of Iran emphasised the necessity for thorough documentation of the damages incurred and urged IFLA to formally condemn the assaults on cultural and knowledge infrastructure.
“We expect an appropriate and responsible response within the framework of your professional and international obligations to protect our cultural and educational centres,” Nazarboland wrote.
The letter stated that the continuation of cultural services in public libraries will depend on the professional expertise of librarians, the support of the cultural community, and the backing of responsible institutions.
“The reconstruction of the damaged libraries remains a top priority within our institutional programmes,” she added.
