New Wave of Book Kiosks Brings Affordable Reading to Rural Egypt

The Ministry of Culture is launching 45 book kiosks this June as part of the ongoing ‘Your Book’ project, in collaboration with the Haya Karima Foundation. Timed to coincide with the anniversary of the June 30th revolution, the rollout is designed to promote reading in rural areas by offering books at affordable prices. These kiosks will function as permanent mini-libraries in underserved villages.

The project expands on an earlier prototype set up at the Cairo Opera House and builds on 333 kiosks already established through the Ministry’s partnership with the Haya Karima Foundation.

Books stocked at the kiosks come from the General Egyptian Book Organization and other Ministry-affiliated publishers, with selections curated in partnership with the Publishers Union to ensure quality and relevance. The kiosks themselves are tailored to fit into broader village beautification plans, offering both visual appeal and commercial potential. Book prices are kept low to reflect local income levels, while maintaining high standards in content and printing.