The Children's Book Council of Iran

In 1962, a group of professionals and other people interested in the cultural development of the young generation laid the foundation of an institution devoted to the promotion of children's literature in Iran. A founding Committee was formed; the Constitution was written and ratified by the General Assembly. CBC was registered as a non-governmental, non-profit cultural organization in 1968.

Located on its own premises, in two apartments, all CBC activities are carried out under the supervision of an executive committee composed of ten elected members. Principle officers are the secretary general, deputy and treasurer. CBC activities are undertaken by groups or committees. Membership fees, sale of publications, donations and royalties provide the funding. Major parts of CBC activities are carried out on a voluntary basis. CBC has more than 700 individual members.

Major activities carried out by CBC include the following:

• reviewing children's literature;
• preparation of The Iranian Encyclopedia for Young People;
• development of the research library;
• organizations of workshops, exhibitions and meetings;
• materials and services for both disabled and deprived children;
• international relations with IBBY, other institutions, and individuals; and active participation in national and international events.

Since 2000 to date CBC has established growing bonds with the Ministry of Education with the aim of introducing basic changes in the school library system. An agreement was signed in February 2005 between CBC and Unicef for the establishment of 108 school libraries in the earthquake-stricken city of Bam and the training of 110 librarians.

CBC published the pioneer work in Persian on children's literature in 1973. It has a quarterly bulletin with a thematic approach, and since March 2002 a monthly newsletter. A special publication is also prodced for younger member of CBC.

The 2005 Exhibition of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities has continued to tour Tehran: at the Modern Mother's Attitude Institute families participated in lively discussions; at the Hosseiniyeh Ershad Public Library how to serve disabled young people was the focal point; and there were several wokshops at the Iranian Artists' Forum. The collection will travel to Isfahan on March 6 and 7 2006 with four CBC colleagues, where a two day Seminar will be hosted by The Association of Friends of Children's Literature.

Read more about the 2005 Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities exhibition in Tehran 9-17 November 2005.

Hans Christian Andersen Award Exhibition 2006

Parnaz Nayeri, 2006 HCA Jury member, like her four Iranian predecessors organized an exhibition of the HCA candidates for illustration at the CBC Research Library, February 24-26 2006. Arranged by country all books had summary in Persian. The Exhibition attracted more 150 visitors, mainly young graphic and art students. Well known illustrators such a F. Mesghali, N. Zarrinkelk, M.R. Dadgar and B. Gharibpour also came to see the works. The final four hours were devoted to discussion and comments.

The main aim of the exhibition is to create prior awareness, for more fruitful discussions after the announcement of the Award, and better use of the collection which is donated to the Research Library. read more about the 2006 Andersen Awards

International Children's Book Day 2006

2006 ICBD motto and poster appear on CBC's calendar bookmark 1385/2006, the message translated by Ms M. Rai, has been printed and widely distributed.

Representatives of the Children's Book Council of Iran present their reports of their attendance of the 30th IBBY Congress in Macau 2006

Mrs Zohreh Ghaeni and Ms Taraneh Matloob held a session on 18 October 2006.

Read more about the session