Left to Right: Library Director Mr. Tümer Garip, Counselor for Public Affairs Thomas Miller and Near East University Vice Rector Dr. Hüseyin Gökçekus, cutting the ribbon at the American Corner opening ceremony

On Friday, June 15, 2007, Counselor for Public Affairs Thomas Miller, along with Near East University Vice Rector Dr. Hüseyin Gökçekuş, and Library Director Mr. Tümer Garip opened the American Corner at NEU library. In his remarks, Mr. Miller said that American Corners are built upon the concept of partnership, in an effort to provide an insight into America’s political, cultural, educational, and social aspects of life. Mr. Miller also expressed his confidence that the American Corners in Cyprus will be friendly and lively places that promote dialogue and mutual understanding between Cypriots and Americans.

The Corner hosts book collections on art, culture, business, education, and other subjects, as well as computers and audiovisual equipment, all part of a $25,000 gift from the people of the United States. They are accessible to NEU students and academics, but also to professionals and the wider community. Beyond being a repository of books and audiovisual material, the American Corner at NEU is also meant to serve as a venue for hosting joint programs with the University, such as cultural and educational programs, speeches, workshops, and exhibits. A professional librarian will be at the Corner, helping visitors with the collection and providing information on the U.S. and Corner programs and events.

American Corners are part of a larger effort within the State Department to help the world learn more about the U.S. They were first launched in October 2000 at the initiative of the U.S. Ambassador to Russia. Since then, they have become a thriving network; today more than three hundred and sixty five Corners operate around the world.

For more on American Corners see http://cyprus.usembassy.gov/AmericanCorners/