Pakistan Observer , July 3, 2020 Advocacy for Libraries at National and Public Parks By Abid Hussain https://pakobserver.net/adocacy_for libraries_at National_and Public_ Parks/ A National Park is "an area of land protected by the government for people to visit because of its natural beauty and historical or scientific interest" (Oxford Learner dictionary. As per the statistics of Wildlife of Pakistan, there are more than 6555 national parks worldwide. In Pakistan, 26 National parks exist; the oldest is the Lal Sohanra National Park, which was established in 1972. Parks' purposes are to establish the biological, geological, and cultural importance of nations and protect its people's biodiversity. Parks are sources of recreation, education, and science for the public. Global warming, populations, reduction of biological diversity are growing threats for the entire world; Pakistan is facing the same challenges for the last few decades. National parks are regarded as ecological laboratories in the contemporary environment. These Parks are significant assets for the ecological health of the planet and preserving the environment clean. Parks are naturally attractive places for photography, Ecotourism, tracking, bird and animal watching, etc. Lush green forests in the National parks are excellent sources of carbon emissions in the surrounding environment. Parks are excellent sources of education and recreation, and millions of people visit these National parks every year. Cafe bars, resorts, and restaurants have been made available, but these parks are deprived of library services. Markets, walking trails, gardens, plazas are public spaces and essential components for healthy communities and livable cities; however, we do not know how libraries and these other spaces, especially parks, relate to one another and how they might relate to one another shortly. One of the primary values of public libraries is a necessary component in public spaces or parks. These libraries are playing a positive role as a trusted, accessible, neutral public space. Libraries are communication centers, a gathering place, a catalyst for civic development, and a site where people of all ages, races, classes, and cultures can congregate. Public places like libraries and Parks are sites for social infrastructure, and both are bringing people together. Parks and libraries have the potential to be powerful symbols and agents for civic places, around which community service projects could be organized. Libraries are places where people interact, imagine, and gather to explore new ideas. Advocacy for Park Libraries will add value to our communities and serves as a cultural center for our patrons. Libraries in Park are sources of community building, community centers for diverse populations, center for the arts and libraries, and youth champions. The library may offer exemplary services that support the notion beyond information. In Pakistan, the exchairman CDA Kamran Lashari took the initiative in 2007 to construct libraries along with the gyms that will be benefited for the public at large. Few libraries still exist with miserable conditions and scarcity of the book. In Pakistan's capital, only every sector boasts multiple parks and even separate parks for children, women, and senior citizens. These community parks have football grounds, basketball courts, and tennis courts but do not have proper libraries for the masses who can spend a few minutes reading good books and newspapers. The incumbent government also took an initiative to establish libraries in public parks in Punjab province. Asif Mehmood (Adviser on Horticulture and Tourism to the Chief Minister Punjab had articulated in a press conference which was held in October 2019, he expressed that all big Park in Punjab province will be granted libraries where there was enough space. But no attention has been made so far. There are only few libraries established in Park of Pakistan. The National Library of Pakistan, with the help of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), may take this initiative. The civil society and private company may be directed, and the contract may be awarded as per the tender's rules. I assured you that such an initiative would pave the way for people of all ages, races, classes, and cultures. Park libraries in Pakistan will achieve the Ministry of Federal Education's visionary motto and professional training, that is " To develop human resources by ensuring equal access and educational excellence across Pakistan." The writer is a library officer at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).