Using proceeds from his book "Medemer,” Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has financed the construction of the Emerta Library in Dire Dawa.
Designed to accommodate up to 1,000 visitors and house one million books, this modern facility aims to promote reading and facilitate access to knowledge for everyone. It includes spaces adapted to special needs and provides an environment conducive to study and culture.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister, the Emerta Library was funded through revenues generated from the sale of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s book "Medemer.” The initiative seeks to encourage a culture of reading and improve public access to knowledge.
Located in the city of Dire Dawa, the library covers an area of more than 1,000 square meters. It features a modern three-story building, as well as a terrace offering visitors an outdoor reading space where they can enjoy the region’s pleasant climate.
According to a statement published on social media by the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s Office, the facility includes several amenities designed to serve different audiences.
These include a Braille reading area, a computer center specially designed for people with special needs, outdoor reading spaces, as well as private and group study rooms. A conference hall is also part of the infrastructure.
In total, the library has been designed to accommodate up to 1,000 visitors at the same time. Its shelves have a capacity of up to one million books, making it an ambitious project aimed at strengthening access to knowledge in the region.