Embassy News

Public Internet Access Opens at the National Library of Turkmenistan

PAS No 228
January 27, 2009

Charge d’Affaires, a.i., Ambassador Miles (center) delivers remarks at the opening ceremony. Visit the photo gallery

Ashgabat, January 27, 2009 – Today, Turkmenistan’s National Library, located in the National Cultural Center in Ashgabat, formally opened Internet access to the public in its “Internet Center” room with the support of the United States of America.  The opening ceremony was attended by the leadership and staff of the National Cultural Center, the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Richard Miles, staff members of the U.S. Embassy, foreign diplomats and other library visitors.

Under a grant from the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section, the National Library was linked to the NATO-sponsored “Virtual Silk Road” fiber optic Internet network, which is maintained by Turkmenistan’s Supreme Council for Science and Technology.  The National Library provided space for the computer lab or “Internet Center,” and eighteen Internet-linked computers dedicated for use by library visitors.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Chargé Miles said that modern libraries have Internet access for the public, “and today, Turkmenistan’s National Library has reached this international standard.”  He added that “The National Library’s introduction of public Internet supports the reform goals of President Berdimuhamedov and will support Turkmenistan’s path of revival and democratization.”

The National Library is located in Turkmenistan’s National Cultural Center in the Berzengi district of Ashgabat and is open 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.