During the Taliban regime books were systematically destroyed, with the exception of the Holy Quran. So when the Director of Library and Archival Services, Timor Shah Qawin, assumed his position at the National Assembly, he found himself a librarian with no library, just a vacant room in need of serious repair. There were no internet connections, no periodicals, no catalogues, no bookshelves, and no books.

When Members of Parliament entered the Afghan National Assembly in December 2005, the first to do so in more than 30 years, they faced enormous hurdles. One of the most crucial needs was for information.

Recognizing that access to information is the lifeblood of any legislative body, USAID responded within the first three months of the National Assembly's inauguration by rehabilitating the library space, creating work stations, supplying internet facilities, building bookcases, and stocking the shelves with more than 1,000 books.

USAID provided the library staff with training on cataloging, archiving, and library management. Now Members of Parliament and their staff have access not only to books and resources but to a professional support staff. “As a result of USAID assistance,” Mr. Qawin proudly states, 'MPs now take more informed positions on issues facing the Afghan people.'

USAID continues to support the National Assembly Library through on-going training programs and infrastructure support. A fellowship program will soon be launched to augment the library's staff. In November 2006, a delegation from the House Democracy Assistance Commission and Library of the U.S. Congress visited Afghanistan and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Assembly Library to provide additional support over a three-year period.

An increasingly busy librarian, Mr. Qawin observes that on average, MPs borrow 150 books per week and that number has been steadily increasing. Space has also become an issue with over 50 MPs, secretariat staff, committee assistants, and researchers from universities using the facilities daily. A new challenge Mr. Qawin faces --albeit a welcome one-- is trying to get the books returned in a timely fashion!

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