Morocco's capital Rabat is bringing books into parks and public spaces as part of its year as the UNESCO World Book Capital 2026. The new urban libraries are designed to make reading more accessible and a part of everyday city life.

The three urban libraries, which opened in public parks, serve as part of Rabat's push to make books more accessible beyond traditional libraries.

"Books play a fundamental role in learning, culture and education, but their contribution to social inclusion should not be overlooked. This is the idea behind the initiative to create libraries in public spaces, bringing books beyond traditional, enclosed libraries and closer to people in their everyday lives,”said Loubna Nasri, a member of Rabat World Book Capital 2026.

The new spaces combine reading with parks and heritage sites, offering residents a different setting to discover books.

"It's a quiet and peaceful place, surrounded by nature. Being able to read in a green, open space like this helps you relax and makes the whole experience much more enjoyable,”said Yassmine Khouyi, a Moroccan student.

For students, easier access to books also means more opportunities to make reading part of their daily routine.

"As a student, I really enjoy having access to books like these. Reading helps improve our memory, develop our skills, and expand our vocabulary," said Oumaima Lekhal, another Moroccan student.

The initiative also seeks to reconnect younger generations with books as screens increasingly compete for their attention.

"Nowadays, we spend so much time on our phones and computers and less time reading books. But when you find an open space like this, with books and a nice place to sit and read, it encourages you to read more and keep coming back,”said Oussama, a Rabat resident.

The program in Rabat is expected to expand to other public spaces, including train stations, encouraging commuters and students to read during their travel time.