YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The U.S. Embassy in Armenia, in partnership with the Charentsavan City Library, officially opened the Charentsavan American Corner. The U.S. Embassy to the Republic of Armenia informed “Armenpress” that attending the event were U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John A. Heffern, Deputy Minister of Culture Arev Samuelyan, Governor of Kotayk Marz Kovalenko Shahgaldyan, and Mayor of Charentsavan Hakob Shahgaldyan. This is the fifth American Corner in Armenia; the first one opened in 2005.

In his opening remarks, U.S. Ambassador John Heffern noted the American Corner will make diverse resources accessible to the residents of Charentsavan and Kotayk Marz and facilitate the dialogue and mutual understanding between Armenia and the United States.  It will also foster the use of the English language.

American Corners are small American-style libraries located throughout the world that help increase mutual understanding between the United States and the host country.  A network of over 470 American Corners is operating globally through partnerships between the U.S. Department of State and local host organizations.  American Corners provide information about America in a variety of formats, including reference books, works of fiction, journals, and videos.  These resources focus on such topics as studying in the United States, American society, U.S. history, conducting business in the United States, and English as a Second Language.  The Corners also provide computers with Internet access, and offer a variety of public programs including speakers and workshops.  The American Corners are open to the general public and access is free of charge. 

Currently American Corners are in operation in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Kapan. Last year, the corners had over 40,000 visitors.