STORY: Egypt's famed library excels in restoring, preserving centuries-old manuscripts
DATELINE: July 26, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:43
LOCATION: CairoCATEGORY: CULTURE 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina's Rare Books Restoration Unit
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): DR. HOSSAM AHMED EL-DEEB, Head of the Department of Preservation and Environmental Control at the Manuscript Museum Department at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
3. various of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina's Rare Books Restoration Unit
 
STORYLINE:
 
At the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library and cultural center in Alexandria, Egypt that stands as a symbol of the ancient city's intellectual legacy, a group of experts is working to revive the past. They are the members of the Rare Books Restoration Unit, a specialized team that restores and preserves rare documents, manuscripts, and books that date back hundreds of years.
 
The restoration unit is equipped with a laboratory where the experts perform various tasks to repair the damaged or deteriorated pieces. They start by applying a chemical treatment to the rare books and manuscripts to prevent further decay. Then, they carefully restore the pages, maps, and covers using traditional techniques and materials. After that, they collect and sew the pages together to form a complete book. Finally, they secure the restored covers and store the books in custom-made boxes that protect them from humidity and dust.
 
The restoration unit is not only a place for conservation, but also for research and education. The experts study the history and origin of the books and manuscripts, and share their knowledge with students and visitors. They also collaborate with other institutions and organizations to exchange information and resources.
 
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is home to more than two million books and 50,000 manuscripts, some of which are rare or unique in the world. The restoration unit plays a vital role in safeguarding this cultural heritage for future generations.
 
SOUNDBITE (Arabic): DR. HOSSAM AHMED EL-DEEB, Head of the Department of Preservation and Environmental Control at the Manuscript Museum Department at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
"Our core mission revolves around the preservation of invaluable archaeological holdings. Preservation, to us, entails a carefully curated set of procedures meticulously applied to manuscripts, ensuring their safeguarding against any potential damage or deterioration. It is disheartening to note that a staggering 60 percent of libraries worldwide experience adverse effects from chemical degradation or damage arising from the use of modern paper."
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo.
(XHTV)