Speaking at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall during an event marking National Book, Book Reading and Librarian Day, Pezeshkian said many of Iran’s present imbalances could have been avoided had policymakers paid closer attention to past experience.

“If we had constantly reviewed the lessons of those who came before us, we would not be facing so many problems today,” he told the audience.

The president portrayed reading as essential for survival in a rapidly changing world, adding that a society that abandons books drifts away from global progress. He also linked environmental degradation to a broader failure to learn from history, warning that mistreating natural resources invites severe consequences.

On institutional reform, Pezeshkian stressed the need for continuous staff training and high-quality translations of leading international works. He urged every government entity to maintain specialized libraries and establish ongoing evaluation mechanisms to remain effective.

Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Abbas Salehi, who also addressed the ceremony, said voluntary non-academic reading in Iran has declined sharply over the past two decades, driven by social changes and the dominance of visual media. He described the trend as a serious warning sign and called for stronger ties between schools and public libraries.

Azadeh Nazarboland, secretary-general of the Public Libraries Institution, said Iran’s nationwide network of libraries could support a modern knowledge-based society if equipped with clear policies and greater community outreach. She highlighted ongoing efforts to improve diversity and accessibility in library services.