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The question of public reading � of access to published works, newspapers, and to information in general � is a major challenge in developing countries. Public reading does not replace education or literacy policies.
It is far more important because it fi rmly establishes access to knowledge into day-to-day reality, and gives everyone the possibility of an opening to the world. It meets the expectations of local populations, namely those in remote areas, as is shown by nearly 3 million admissions and more than 1 million books lent each year in the 213 Reading and Cultural Activity Centres set up by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) in 18 countries in Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean and the Middle East. In addition to giving access to books and newspapers, the centres allow access to the media (radio, television, video), to computers, sometimes to the Internet. In addition to being public libraries, these centres host cultural activities such as conferences, theatrical and musical events, training sessions (on health, agriculture, etc.). In view of this success, many governments of developing countries want to develop a genuine public reading policy at national level.
