His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development assured that the “Book bank” is one of the most important projects and initiatives implemented by the ministry during the month of reading. It contributes to raising the level of cultural and knowledge awareness among members of society and implementing the culture of reading and principles of goodness due to its role in promoting the spirit of social responsibility and cooperation. His Excellency pointed out that the initiative was stemmed from the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan – may God protect him – for the year of 2017 to be the Year of goodness and comes in line with the national reading policies and plans of the Ministry of Culture . His Excellency assured that the success we are witnessing today in implementing the National Reading Policy (2016-2026) emphasizes that our country under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme commander of the armed forces, is moving in the right direction and following the footsteps of our founding fathers. His Excellency stressed that reading is the key to creating a promising Emirati generation including innovators, scientists and thinkers, a generation open to knowledge and enlightenment. From this perspective, the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development focused on delivering initiatives that confirms the position of reading and deepen its culture. The initiatives also focus on the activation of community cooperation making books available to everyone. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak explained that the innovative initiative “The Book Bank” combines the promotion of the culture of reading in the UAE society and merges it with the general goals of “The Year of Goodness”, through four main related steps. The first one focuses on the introduction of channels for receiving different kinds of books (whether used or new) from community members, institutions and publishing houses. This provides an opportunity of books exchange between those interested in reading. Dedicated boxes will be distributed across the country’s malls, cultural centers and schools. Books are then classified and displayed in exhibitions organized in Ministry’s centers across the UAE to be sold to the public at nominal prices as an encouragement to buy books and exchange knowledge. The third step is the “Knowledge Scholarships”, which focuses on supporting refugee camps with books and knowledge as a supportive initiative of the United Arab Emirates to the distressed. The fourth step to be implemented is the ” Knowledge Volunteering ” which will allow society members to participate in volunteer services, activities and programs promoting reading. His Excellency called on all segments of the society to interact, make use and cooperate with these initiatives. He called on UAE residents to be part of the “Book Bank” project by donating and taking part in the Charity Book Exhibitions and Knowledge Volunteering.