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History

The 1950s saw the rise of new concepts in education, the establishment of private experimental schools, growth of writing and translation, and the publication of books and magazines for children in Iran. These developments led a group of dedicated educators and parents to think more seriously about the cultural education of children and young people.  As a result, in the winter of 1962 the Children’s Book Council of Iran (Showra-ye Ketab-e Koodak) was established as a non-governmental, not-for profit organization. The CBCI  was officially registered as an NGO in 1968.

 The goals of CBCI are to:

•   Promote quality reading materials for all children,

•  Encourage and contribute to the growth of national literature,

•  Improve book promotion and distribution,

•  Publish professional materials, and

• Keep in touch with international experiences.

Organization

CBCI’s policies and activities are directed and executed by a 10 member Executive Committee (EC) elected by the General Assembly in accordance with the CBCI’s Constitution, every two years.  Members of the EC are responsible for implementing the decisions. Since 1978, the CBCI has been located in its own small premises on two floors.  The EC meets every two weeks and its regular affairs are managed by the Secretary General.

The CBCI is an independent NGO. It operates on a budget made available through membership fees, donations, consultancy fees, royalties, etc.  It receives no regular financial help from any other organization.

The CBCI has more than 600 official and affiliated individual members. Of these about 150 participate on a voluntary basis in various CBCI activities.  All those interested in children’s literature and the promotion of reading can apply for CBCI membership.