King Salman is an avid reader, says Princess Hussa bint Salman

Princess Hussa bint Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, associate lecturer, School of Law, King Saud University (KSU), has asserted that universities worldwide are the source of renaissance and enlightenment resulting in the development of nations.
She spoke about the importance of books, saying that “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman is an avid reader.”
Addressing a book exhibition organized by KSU at its premises, Princess Hussa underscored the point that the role of universities becomes more effective when higher authorities in the state provide them with all forms of support for desired excellence. Notably, the book exhibition, which coincides with World Book and Copyright Day observed annually on April 23, was patronized by Princess Hussa, who is also an alumnus of KSU.
Speaking on the occasion, Princess Hussa greeted attendees which included a large number of female academics and highly learned Saudi women. “The documentary shown on King Saud University library, which I had no chance to experience as a student, tempts me to become a student once more! I am glad, however, and I thank God that, as a member of the staff of this university, I am able still to enjoy the cool of its abundant palm-trees.”
“One of the characteristics of our precious homeland and of our generous people is the capacity to break the rules when circumstances necessitate generosity and the willingness to give,” she said.
Princess Hussa said: “As one of the oldest of our prestigious universities of which we are rightfully proud, on a global level, King Saud University and its library form a fountain that feeds numerous scientific and cultural establishments as well as individuals.”
“Thanks are due to God for enabling us to surpass a stage chosen by our country, the land of Islam, to consolidate peace and confirm our tolerant creed,” she noted.
She called on all people to share honor, feel pangs and offer condolences to the mothers and families of those who offered their lives for the homeland. “Let us share it too with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and our firm leadership,” she said.
Referring to the developmental strides made by the Kingdom, she said that the Kingdom is “embarking on a stage of hope in the future and of reconstruction which has led us to this gathering to celebrate World Book Day with other universities the world over.”
Everywhere universities are sources of renaissance and development for their countries; on them falls the task of establishing firm foundations for progress and enlightenment as well as demolishing ignorance and backwardness, she observed.
This role becomes doubly effective when it is backed by support from the highest authorities in the state. This support can take a variety of forms including solving any problem and facilitating the different projects and initiatives of those universities. Every year, World Book Day falls on April 23. It is a symbolic day that aims at drawing the attention of the whole world to the importance of books in the lives of individuals and the development of societies, and to encourage reading and recognize its pleasure.
Speaking about the achievements of the Riyadh-based King Saud University, Princess Hussa said that KSU is the first in the Kingdom to embrace such activities. This is due to the fact that KSU is one of the most basic channels that connects authors and readers. “It is a cultural phenomenon through which men-of-letters, thinkers and readers communicate,” she said.
She said that KSU also provides an opportunity to become acquainted with the true worth of the works of our cultural elite. Celebrating World Book Day is a significant step on the way to spreading reading habits among all age groups and encouraging the opportunities of drawing enjoyment from there. “It also provides a good opportunity for libraries, publishers, universities, schools and individuals to collaborate in supporting books which have not lost their lure in spite of the multitude of means of publication especially the technological, e.g. the Internet and satellite, etc.,” she said.
She said that “books are books regardless of whether they are printed on paper or appear on the screen of a personal computer.” Printed material, however, is more intimate; it is, after all, closer to human fingertips while technology complements it, she said. “I believe we ought to take the initiative in this field which is closely related to libraries and the World Book Day,” she advised.
On the importance of books, Princess Hussa said that books are a medium to transport us to another world. “Books have always been and will be, my best friends,” said the princess. “They make all of us think about others’ feelings and appreciate the world and its beings in a different light,” she noted. “But books also engage people because of the fact that reality is sometimes too hard to handle and many people find fictional characters much more friendly and appealing than those around them.”
She pointed out that 40 percent of the world’s population have had learning difficulties in some form or the other. “In this context and because of the close relationship between the scientific, educational, cultural and human elements, I think it's important to emphasize this point especially since science has uncovered learning strategies to correct such difficulties and to overcome them,” she noted.
Modern technologies offer great incentives which enable persons with learning difficulties or those with special needs to benefit fully whether it is learning they seek or providing for others, she said. “Thank God, our country has been and still is at the forefront of importing the latest technologies which can enable us to join ranks with the developed countries that have more scientists and creative writers while holding on to our values of religion and our traditions,” she said.
Referring to the reading habits of King Salman, she said that the king is an avid reader and is a great lover of books and literature. “The king is a keen reader who loves books dearly; he also gives special support and aid to the universities,” she said. To this end, she said that what pains her is the fact that nowadays very few people give literature the importance it deserves.
She thanked KSU represented by Dr. Badran Al-Omar for inviting her to attend the celebration. She also thanked the libraries department and Inas Alissa, vice chancellor for student affairs; Bunayya Alrasheed, dean of the humanities department, and Fathiyya Iqab, vice dean for library affairs, for organizing activities like the World Book Day.
Last but not the least, she offered thanks to poetess Fawziyya Abu Khalid and creative writer Professor Suad Almani for organizing the program. The event was attended by a large number of female teaching staff of KSU, employees and students.
A documentary on Operation Decisive Storm and another presentation on the KSU Central Library were also organized. The students presented a show which dealt with “human relationships with books.”
For her part, writer and professor Saud Almani gave a brief speech on her experience in writing.