Headlines
Anthology for children of the new century
It is an exciting event and a great achievement in the children's literature of Mongolia that new anthologies for Mongolian children of the new generation have been published and their publishing has been celebrated by writers and readers. Through the initiative of Selenge Press Co.,Ltd in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Council of Children's Writers, an anthology of Mongolian children's literature in three volumes has been published for the younger generation and children living in the new century.
These 3 books are classified into 3 age categories; for pre-schoolers, junior school goers and teenagers, and for high school students. They are expected to be significant as handbooks for parents and teachers, besides their importance in education and knowledge of children as they are included among works listed in the obligatory reading curriculum of kindergartens and schools. Besides the works of founders of Mongolian contemporary literature such as D.Natsagdorj and Ts.Damdinsuren, these 3 books include about 300 best works of 80 writers of the middle and new generation of Mongolian children's literature whose works are read by children of all generations with deep eagerness and interest.
(November 2007, D.Borolzoi, APPREB correspondent)
Night library begins service
Since the transition period into the market economic system, the number of nightclubs and bars has increased greatly in Mongolia. But recently an extremely new service called "night library" opened its door to the public.
The Central Library named after D.Natsagdorj initiated this service, which is earning the appreciation and gratitude of customers and readers. Employees, students and youths who work and study in the daytime and people who are interested in reading and studying at nighttime really appreciate and support this service. A director of the Central Library, Mr. T.Mijiddorj, opened the night library. Famous Mongolian authors, artists and students attended the opening ceremony. In opening the night library, the Central Library became the first 24-hour public library in Mongolia. Mr. Ts.Batbayar, mayor of Ulaanbaatar, the Culture and Art office of the capital city and the Mongolian Students' Association provided great support and assistance in opening this service for the public.
(November 2007, D.Borolzoi, APPREB correspondent)
Mongolian language dictionary (with 70 000 words)
 The script and writing culture of Mongolians has developed since ancient times. It is incredible that nomadic Mongols created a dictionary in the 13th century. The Mongolian language electronic dictionary "Tod (legible) dictionary" compiled by a teacher of the Mongolian University of Education and linguist, Mr. Sh.Odontur, and the editor of "White Bear" Printing, Mr. M.Battugs, is a detailed explanatory dictionary containing approximately 250, 000 collocations and phrasal words. In compiling this dictionary, authors strived to keep all the traditional achievements of other dictionaries besides meeting the basic requirements of a dictionary.
This dictionary is distinguished from other dictionaries published in Mongolia in previous times by its number of headwords, their explanations, and examples of collocations or phrasal words. This dictionary can be an important daily handbook for not only Mongolians who want to improve their knowledge of native language but also for foreigners who are learning Mongolian language.
(October 2007, D.Borolzoi, APPREB correspondent)
Training for Children's Book Illustrators
Mongolian children's literature is keeping pace with the international standards, but  book illustrations fail to meet them. In consideration of this situation, IBBY has given training for children's book illustrators for the first time in Mongolia. Ms. Beatriz Vidal, a prominent children's book illustrator, came from the U.S. to give a lecture to students interested in children's book illustrations during the training. The Mongolian Section of IBBY, an organiser of the training, has established a club, named "Children's Book Illustrators," under the Interpress Publishing House and started working to publish excellent books that would meet international standards.
(October 2007, D.Borolzoi, APPREB correspondent)
National Script Celebration Held
 The inauguration ceremony of the annual Mongolian National Script celebration took place on Wednesday (2 May 2007) in the National Library. During the celebration, which is jointly arranged by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the National Library and the State Language Council, a number of educational organizations including the Children's Book Palace and the Universe Training and Research Center, are organising a national script contest for all ages of people. Also, a ceremony to hand over the best books published in 2006, and meetings of librarians were held in all urban and rural libraries, at the same time. The Fourth National Script Contest and a trade fair of various books were arranged in Ulaanbaatar. With the cooperation of the State Language Council and Mongolian Youths Union, a science conference entitled "My National Script and my Horse" and a meeting with writers about native language, national culture and independence, were organized among the people's writers and state-honoured writers and poets. These measures and get-togethers were attended by B.Enkhtuvshin, Minister of Education, Culture and Science, the Director of the National Library, G.Akim, linguistic scientists, well-known writers, and students.
(May 2007, D.Borolzoi, APPREB correspondent)
Birth of "Nomon Khuukhed" (It means "Book child")
 It has been seventeen years since Mongolia have rejected socialist ways and embraced the democratic system. During the period of the economic shift, many regarded children's book as unprofitable business. With no one to carry on the business there were soon shortages in children's books which lasted until recently.
A children's book company named "Nomon Khuukhed" was established under "Interpress" publishing company and started publishing children's books. The company has plans to publish children's books by Mongolian authors, like L.Tudev, D.Garmaa and S.Nadmid as well as J.Dashdondog's books that are already children's favorites, the books of authors who received the H. K. Anderson acknowledgement award, and classics from Asian countries such as Japan, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India.
"Nomon Khuukhed" has already accomplished the publishing of 42 works of literature from authors from all over the world for the purpose of supplying rural school children with books, after being chosen in the Children's Book tender from the World Development Bank. While doing so, the company has opened the children's "Orchlon" Bookstore in downtown Ulaanbaatar, putting on events for new book presentations and advertising and carrying out many new ideas such as "Books for your children as a present" for tourists. In conjunction with this children's bookstore and children's printing company, Mongolian National Television has decided to run a television show called "Nomon Khuukhed."
It is a great pleasure to announce the awakenings of the children's book publishing situation in Mongolia and open the doors for communication of the companies in the same business locally and abroad.
(April 2007, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
D. Natsagdorj is celebrated
The 100th anniversary of the prominent writer and founder of modern literature of Mongolia, D. Natsagdorj, is being commemorated throughout the year under the order of the Prime Minister. D. Natsagdorj was born in 1906 in Gun Galuutai of Bayandelger Soum. Tov Aimag.
The peak period of his creativity was from 1930-1937. He wrote the poems 'Minii eej (My Native Land),' 'Od (Star),' 'Henz hurga (Late-Borm Lamb),' and tales 'Tsagaansar ba khar nulims (White Month and Black Tear),' 'Khodoo talyn uzesgelen (Beauty of the Steppe),' 'Ovliin udesh (The Winter Night),' as well as an opera 'Uchirtai Gurvan Tolgoi (Three Sad Muontains)' others during that period. He was arrested and jailed in 1932 for over six months, which caused his health to deteriorate.
In line with the celebration, the Education, Culture and Sciences Ministry, Mongolian Youth Union, Tov Aimag Governor's Office and Bayandelger Soum council have carried out many activities. Three volumes of books have been compiled of his handwrtten and printed creations. It is ready to be distributed free to schools and soum libraries.
Also under the order of the Education, Culture and Sciences Minister, an award for 'The best reader for the D. Natsagdrj medal' has been reinstated from this year and is being given to children. The building of the D. Natsagdorj museum has been restored and enlarged, while Tov Aimag's council unveiled a five-metre long 270 cm-high granite inscribed monument with the poem 'My Native Land' in Zuunmod city, Tov Animag. The Central Square of the city was beautified as Natsagdorj Street. Also a monument of D. Natsagdorj in Bayandelger Soum was completely renovated at a cost of Tg9 million. Mongolian poet Sh. Surenjav and a film feature movie 'Great Natsagdorj,' show the complicated and tragic life of the great writer.
D. Natsagdorj's work was not only published in Mongolia, but in countries such as Russia, China, Japan and Korea. During his short life, he wrote all forms of literature including plays, prose and poems.
(March 2007, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
New Edition of Mongolian Today Magazine
 To help the 800th anniversary celebrations, the Mongolia Today magazine has been revived by the Montsame News Agency.
The magazine was published in English and Russian languages from 1956 to 1990, when it was discontinued. This year, the government decided to revive the magazine as an official publication, to help publicize Mongolia worldwide.
The first edition is to be distributed to embassies and diplomatic representatives abroad.
(March 2007, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
Workshop on Mongolian Version of "Asian Copyright Handbook"
The Asia/Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO, the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, and the Intellectual Property Office of Mongolia jointly organized the National Workshop for Copyright Awareness and Production and Utilisation of the Mongolian Version of "Asian Copyright Handbook" from 5 to 7 October in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
 The National Workshop aimed to promote copyright awareness to all concerned in Mongolia, to share information about the current situation and problems regarding copyright in Mongolia and other Asian countries, to introduce and promote better understanding of the Asian Copyright Handbook by reviewing a draft Mongolian version and to identify points and sections where explanation would be necessary for the handbook to be useful in Mongolia.
In the workshop, 5 speakers from Australia, Japan and Mongolia provided lectures to about 60 local participants. Additionally, group work sessions were organized during which participants drafted Q&A which would be appended as a supplement to the Mongolian version of the handbook and discussed possible action plans to promote copyright awareness in Mongolia.
The Mongolian version of the Handbook will be published in January 2006 as one of the outcomes of the Workshop.
(August 2006, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
East Asian Children's Festival and Intangible Cultural Heritage
The fifth East Asian Children's Art Festival was held to coincide with the 800th Anniversary of Great Mongolian State. President N. Enkhbayar sent a message wishing success for the Festival: "… It makes Mongolia proud because you manifest the spirit of the UN and UNESCO in developing mutual understanding, solidarity and good relationships between civilizations through this festival."
More than 250 children from China, Japan, North Korea, Republic of Korea, and Mongolia attended the festival. Mongolian children performed morin khuur music, long song and folk dance.
One of the surprises of the festival was when UNESCO Director General, Mr. Koichiro Matsuura announced that sumo wrestler and Ozeki, Hakuho M. Davaajargal, would be UNESCO Artist for Peace. Hakuho made a sincere speech to the children. Education, Culture and Sciences Minister O. Enkhtuvshin, and Deputy Education, Culture and Sciences Minister S. Tomor-Ochir also attended the opening.
 A ceremony to present UNESCO's certificate registering the Urtiin Duu, traditional folk long song of Mongolia, as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity took place in the Opera Theatre.
In his speech, Mr. Matsuura said: "In 2005, the masterpiece was proposed jointly by Mongolia and China for registration to UNESCO. Intangible culture is a main part of the heritage of mankind. It is the success of the effort that the Mongolian Government and people made to preserve their culture, publicize it to worldwide and share it with others. As the Orkhon Valley, the morin khuur and the long song are included in the list of intangible cultural heritage, they are now able to receive support and help."
Mr. Matsuura and Mr. Enkhtuvshin signed a memorandum of mutual understanding on cooperation between the Government of Mongolia and UNESCO, as well as an agreement to continue the implementation of a UNESCO project to provide mobile education and cultural services for herders.
Under that framework, the two parties will cooperate on implementing the master plan in the education sector of Mongolia, eliminating illiteracy, supporting education of poor people in remote and suburban areas, increasing educational roles against HIV/AIDS, improving textbooks and the quality of elementary and secondary education and preserving tangible and intangible heritage.
The mutual cooperation will also introduce scientific and technological discoveries, and information and communication technology in rural areas, reducing poverty by means of culture, improving water resource management, combating desertification, exploiting renewable energy and developing eco-tourism.
The second phase of the project to provide mobile education and cultural services for herders will be carried out with funds of $200,000 from the Japanese Government and $50,000 from the Mongolian Government, with the support of UNESCO.
(August 2006, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
150th Anniversary of the Great Poet of Gobi
UNESCO, the Noyon Khutugtu Fund and the Uv Erdene Fund are to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the death of Gobi Noyon Khutugtu Duldiut Danzanravjaa  as one of the UNESCO's 63 special occasions this year.
MP L. Odonchimed, who heads Noyon Khutugtu, said that UNESCO is to grant $20,000 for the celebration, to be spent on translating Danzanravjaa's works from Tibetan into Mongolian and English.
The US embassy will grant $20,000 to help reconstruct the Noyon Khutugtu Danzanravjaa Museum, and Danzanravjaa's Demchig Temple will be renovated with $20,000 from Ivanhoe Mines, 15 events are planned for the anniversary.
(July 2006, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
World Bank - for the Mongolian Children
The World Bank, in corporation with the Government of Mongolia, started to implement a project to promote education in the rural areas. Within the framework of the project, the Bank would finance the building of libraries for secondary schools, located in the soums and baghs (first stage units of the Mongolian administration), having duplicated literary books for children. Printing and publishing companies have eagerly started producing designs, having concluded contracts to publish the best children's books by Mongolian writers, educational books, and translations of the best children's stories from all over the world. Children's books and translations printed by all the Mongolian printing companies are received and examined by the Specialists' Commission of the Ministry of Education, Culture & Science; and then the World Bank provides finance. So the selected books will be published, 3000 copies of each, and sent to libraries of all the soums and baghs. The pupils will be able to read these books in every classroom from the first to fifth grade.
What is the reason for implementing this project? After Mongolia's transition to the market system, nobody wanted to privatize the children's books sector since it is not profitable. So publications of books for children have stopped, and the minds and spirits of all the little Mongolian readers are becoming impoverished. In order to introduce Mongolian children to books, this project to deliver is being implemented. Using the opportunities mentioned above, the children's writers are making efforts to compile new works which meet the current standardization requirements. Publishing companies are trying to print the best books, and translators are attempting to translate the best of the world's children's literary works which have never been translated before.
(June 2006, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
Owner of the Title "Pinnacle of Success"
The 70th birthday anniversary of Dr. Prof. L. Tudev, well-known writer and famous journalist of Mongolia, was celebrated with great joy and elation. It was a festival commemorating three outstanding occasions: the 50th anniversary of his first book Hello Babies; the English edition and sale of his book Story of Acquaintance with the Universe in the USA; and being honoured as one of the 100 best writers in the world and bestowed with the title of "Pinnacle of Success" by the decision of the Ad Hoc Council of Biographical Study of Great Britain and the USA. The "Pinnacle of Success" cup, with symbols of white and black mountains, moved from hand to hand attracting the keen interest of  guests. There was a special guest among the invitees, Bolormaa Baasansuren, a painter, who had done the illustration for the book Story of Acquaintance with the Universe. The book has been translated by an American fellow, Michael Miller, and the significance of the edition is that this is the first American book illustrated by a Mongolian painter. Being not so familiar with drawings of the Mongolian way of life, the American editors had requested paintings to be sent as context, for which Mongolian side proposed paintings by Ms. Bolormaa. Thus the drawings of a Mongolian painter had passed the American printing criterion and illustrated an American edited book.
Bolormaa Baasansuren won the Grand Prize in 14th Noma Concourse for Picture Book Illustrations organized by ACCU in 2005, in Tokyo, Japan.
(May 2006, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
Mongolian Poetry and Culture Website and World Poetry Series
Mongolian Poetry and Culture website is an online source for news, culture and history of Mongolian traditional literature and poetry. It is also the official website of the 26th World Congress of Poets to be held in September 2006 in Ulaanbaatar. Mr. Mend-Ooyo, the 26th Congress President, runs the Mongolian Academy of Culture and Poetry. He is a well-known poet and has been involved in Mongolian literature and poetry for more than 30 years. In 2005 he founded and started publishing GUNU, an international poetry, culture and literature magazine of Mongolia.
Some volumes of the World Poetry Series have been printed for the 26th World Congress of Poets. The third volume of this series on Japanese Poetry consists of Japanese classical poetry such as Haiku, Tanka and contemporary poetry. The works are by famous Japanese poets including Matsuo Basho, Shinkawa Kazue, Akiya Yutaka and others. The second volume, on Russian Poetry, includes the poems of A. S. Pushkin, S. Esinen, Joseph Brodsky, E. Yevtushenko and others. Famous Mongolian translators and poets have translated them into Mongolian. Future volumes in this series will include India, China, France and the USA.
(March 2006, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
The Greatest Stitched Book in the World
Mongolian writer B.Enkhbat of the Khonhereid line is creating, with his family members, the book "Secret History of the Mongols" compiled in 1240, on 180 metre length of blue silk stitched with nine precious metal fibres. This book describes not only the history of Mongolian empire founded by Genghis Khan but also about world history.
The back of the blue page will be starched with green silk which symbolizes the blue sky and green land worshipped by Mongolians. As a symbol of Mongolian chronicle circle, the book will be provided with 60 supporting poles and, on top of each pole, emblems of 60 Mongolian lineages. Those supporting poles will be made of birch trees from Genghis' birth place.  The book will be put into four trunks decorated with nine precious metals, loaded on two white camels and brought to the birthplace of Genghis to open them.
This world's biggest book has to be completed before the 800th anniversary of the foundation of Great Mongolia to be celebrated in July 2006. Total cost of creating this book will amount to US$135,000. The Mongolians fully hope that this great intellectual work will be included in the Guinness Book of Records.
(February 2006, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
Alphabet Ceremony
A ceremony celebrating the traditional Mongolian alphabet, which Genghis Khan made the official script, was held recently at the Education, Culture and Science Ministry.
It was attended by President N. Enkhbayar as the first event in the programme for the 800th anniversary celebrations. A copy of the alphabet in a sandalwood box was ceremonially handed to the president and by academician D. Tserensodnom, wrapped in a long white and yellow hadag (scarf).
President N. Enkhbayar stressed the importance of the national script to the national transition to full independence. Also at the ceremony were Deputy Education, Culture and Science Minister S. Tumur-Ochir; People's Writer T. Galsan, and Humuun Newspaper Editor-in-Chief T. Galdan, etc.
(February 2006, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
Conference of Translators
The 26th World Congress of Poets (WCP) will be included among the festivities of the 800th anniversary of the Mongolian nation. Approximately 400 poets from five continents will travel to the event, which has been described as the poetry world's equivalent to the quadrennial sports event.
 With this in mind, the Arts Council of Mongolia and the Mongolian Academy of Culture and Poetry held a meeting, "Urgent questions on the translation of poetry," in the Open Society Forum Hall. Supporters from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Writers' Union of Mongolia, and the Translators' Union of Mongolia attended the event. The opening ceremony was hosted by Mr. G. Mend-Ooyo, President of the XXVI World Congress of Poets.
The meeting brought together 50 of the best and most famous translators, poets, writers and scholars of Mongolian Art, including professors N. Dorjgotov and S. Dulam; translators Kh. Mergen, G. Akim, Sh. Tsog and L. Enebish; and poets T. Galsan, D. Uriankhai, Sh. Surenjav and others.
Attendees exchanged opinions about Mongolian Literature and poetry translation, its present situation, ongoing difficulties, and the promotion of Mongolian poets around the world. They also discussed achievements in Mongolian poetry, its translational and grammatical features, future plans, and activities to promote the introduction of Mongolian poetry to Mongolian and world readers.
(January 2006, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
15 Million Books for Mongolian Readers
The first consultation of Mongolian librarians entitled "Improving the National Data System" was organized in Ulaanbaatar.
In the recent 10 years, library services in the rural areas have worsened due to lack of resource material, budget and financial barriers. Government of Mongolia approved the Master Plan to improve library services in Mongolia. But the professionals are saying that the implementation process is not satisfying. During this first consultation, participants discussed about improving the efficiency of the international donors' funding. To date 1500 libraries serve with 15 million books nationwide. Not a single library closed its door while the number of readers decreased during the transition period. According to Mr. Tsagaach, the president of Mongolian librarians' Union, a survey showed that 60% of the readers are receiving the library service.
(December 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
International Museum of Wisdom
Finding the Ulaanbaatar Puzzle Museum is itself something of a puzzle. The International Museum of Wisdom (its full and slightly foreboding title) hides itself away in an obscure corner not far from the Black Market.
The founder, Tumen-Ulzii, is a world-renowned toy maker and inventor who began to invent his own toys in early childhood. In 1983 he received his first toy patent. The origins of the National Toy Museum go back to the time when Tumen-Ulzii ran an exhibition of mechanical toys for the 750th anniversary of the Mongolyn Nuuts Tovchoo (Secret History of the Mongols).
The collection includes world famous, rare and precious exhibits It has over 200 different Mongolian puzzle chess sets of gold, silver, gemstones and wood, with the smallest and the biggest Mongolian puzzle chess sets in the world. Pieces in the smallest set are just 5-10mm high; the biggest pieces are an imposing 35-55cm and the board is 7.6m2. The black pieces are knights of Chinggis Khaan, the white are on the theme of Naadam. Each chess piece has 160 parts, interlocked three-dimensionally and requiring up to 18 different locking tricks.
There is a prize of $10,000 for anyone who can assemble the king in 10 minutes; people from 177 countries have tried, without success. Another brain-melting mental challenge is the silver tortoise, with 33 different interlocking methods. The ultra-confident owners offer $100,000 to anybody who can assemble it.
Classic comic characters like Mickey Mouse and Tom and Jerry are also reproduced. The intricate craftsmanship and care of these designs are quite breathtaking.
The commercial backers and devisers are a company called Mo-Tu-Uv Ltd, employing creative artists who combine Mongolian traditional methods with modern know-how. There is a painstaking process involving thousands of drawings before a finished product arrives. Mo-Tu-Uv say the games and toys they devise are important educational tools. The mass media, they reason, have created a generation of passive-minded observers lacking in independent thought. It also say that access to games and toys to test creative reasoning are important to counter this trend. The museum has become internationally renowned and has exhibited in over 50 countries; there are also toys from over 100 countries.
(November 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
Knowledge Bank; Library on Its 25th Birthday
Mongolian popular epic "Jangar" has heroes who are eternally twenty-five years old, because Mongols consider 25 to be the most heroic and creative age for men. Also, Ulaanbaatar Public Library has just celebrated its 25th anniversary, in October 2005. Looking back 25 years' history, the library has matured like the heroes of the epic, and has developed into the most popular modern style information resource centre for the public of the capital city of Mongolia.
The Ulaanbaatar Public Library was the first library to implement the library automation system in Mongolia. The library has its own online electronic catalogue, and a number of literary works by Mongolian writers are available on the library's web page.
The library became a member of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) in 1997.
At the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the library, representatives of the library patrons said "Even though our library is young, its half-million-book collection always meets our needs for study and knowledge and it has the most useful and helpful services for us. And we greatly appreciate that the Library has changed its name to 'Knowledge Bank'. It's a real bank of knowledge."
(October 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
The First Mongolian Calligraphic Gallery
The gallery named "Inkway", which exhibits only Mongolian Calligraphic work, is the first gallery specializing in calligraphy and was opened recently. Researcher, teacher of arts and calligrapher Jalair D. Batbayar, who wrote a book The History of  Mongolian Calligraphy on the basis of 15 years' research in the calligraphic field, is showing his works to the public after 15 exhibitions abroad and in Mongolia under the name of "Inkway" gallery.
The gallery is serving the public in educational and cultural fields and promulgating knowledge about Mongolian script for scholars and students. The works in the gallery depict aspects of Mongolian culture such as philosophy, literature, symbolism, everyday life and also commercial items. It is wonderful to see this gallery to know more about the unique aspects of Mongolian culture from the time when Mongolian ancestors played a main role in world history.
(September 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
President of Mongolia Publishes 8 Volume Work
President Enkhbayar's 8 volume work has recently been published in Mongolia. These volumes include his social and political life, articles about Mongolian culture and education, his interviews and speeches, translation from world classics, Buddha's doctrine, and articles about protecting historical and cultural heritage.
President Enkhbayar has translated the best Mongolian novels into English with the sole purpose of introducing Mongolian novels to the world. They have been included in this work under the title Meanings Behind the Words.
(September 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
370th Anniversary of G. Zanabazar
Mongolians have celebrated the 370th anniversary of G. Zanabazar, popularized in the folk tradition as Undur Gegeen (meaning bright, full of knowledge), who played an influential role in political, public, and religious affairs. He was born in 1635 in a place now called 'Esun Zuil' (nine flowers) where, according to legend, nine kinds of flowers were growing. Zanabazar was a good leader, who devoted his life to the development of Mongolian political and religious affairs. He devised an alphabet and even now the first character of the script is fluttering on the Mongolian State flag.
Many of the books on literature and philosophy, about gods and religion that he authored are still used in Buddhist teachings. He made a large number of solid gold statues of deities which constitute a valuable contribution to Mongolian art and World Heritage.
(August 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
New President and Mongolian Writers' Association
Recently Enkhbayar Nambar, the Candidate of Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), won the presidential election in Mongolia. President Enkhbayar was previously MPRP Chairman and Parliamentary Speaker and between 2000 and 2004 was Prime Minister of Mongolia.
He began his work career in the Mongolian Writers' Association and became a famous translator and educator, having translated distinguished writings of foreign authors from Russian, English and Tibetan. He initiated and carried out benevolent deeds to protect and publicize Mongolian cultural heritage including ancient writings of Mongolian national script, historical memorials, and specifically focusing great attention on Buddhist culture.
At the 13th congress of the Mongolian Writers' Association, President N. Enkhbayar, who always feels himself a member of the large family of Mongolian writers, expressed the will of Mongolian government to exercise greater effort to create a favorable legal and economical environment necessary for the development of literature in the current situation.
All writers and cultural workers are very grateful to him for taking as a first priority the issues of the spiritual development of our society and the task of educating our people.
(July 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
Series of Art Books Dealing with Horse
One cannot think of Mongols without the horse. That is why the works of art of many generations of Mongols depict  horses. The series of 3 books by the art critic S. Badral deal with this phenomenon, which attracts attention not only from Mongols, but also foreign critics and interested people.
The first book by S. Badral, Mongolian Fire of Life and Wind Hurdle (2003, 250 pages) was a comparative study of horse images of many generations, starting from the stone paintings of horses from the bronze age, to horses on fabric flags of the efire of life'. The second book of this series, Mongolian Sculpture of Horse Worship (2004, 70 pages) tells about horse sculptures and carvings created by Mongols throughout the centuries. The third book, Horse Fiddle and Fine Art (2005, 44 pages) studied the works of art by masters to create the national instrument, a fiddle with a horse's head.
S. Badral has compiled a rich collection of works of art and culture created by nomadic Mongols, which have been exhibited at numerous exhibitions and depicted in series of books.
(July 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
Monument of B. Renchin Unveiled
The unveiling ceremony of the memorial monument to the prominent Mongolian scholar and educator B. Renchin was held recently. The eight metre high monument erected in front of the National Central Library, commemorating  Renchin's 100th birth anniversary. The ceremony was launched by President Enkhbayar. In his speech, Mr. Enkhbayar noted that four years ago, he signed the decision to erect the memorial monument to B. Renchin. He continued that, starting from his early childhood, he used to read the masterpieces by B. Renchin and learned the spirit of patriotism from them. The monument was created by B. Renchin's grandson, B. Denzen, who collaborated with sculptor Ts Amgalan for about one year. B. Renchin's son, R. Barsbold, thanked all the people who were involved in making the monument and said, "The monument expresses well the close links between grandson and grandfather; the new Mongolian youth respecting the vigour of the older generation. Also the uninterrupted ancient cultural traditions passing to the Mongolian future." Present at the ceremony were Dr. R. Barsbold, a famous Mongolian journalist and director of the National Central Library, G. Akim, an honoured arts figure of Mongolia, T. Galsan, MPs, government members and other officials.
(June 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
American Classics Donated
The Mongolian Children's Cultural Foundation received a generous boost of resources as the American Embassy donated books, among them some great literary classics, which will aid the mobile library in carrying out its sterling work. A recently hosted event at the American Cultural and Information Center was dedicated to American Children's literature as students gathered to listen to a series of speeches from tutors and researchers - including Jambyn Dashdondog, an author of Mongolian children's books, and Director General of the Mongolian Children's Cultural Foundation.
The day culminated in the presentation of the books by the representative of the American Embassy Kelli Beery Odhuu (Senior English Language Fellow at the National University of Mongolia).
(June 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
A New English Quarterly of Poetry and Literary Published
The first issue of a new English language poetry and literary quarterly (entitled  Gunu) has been published in Mongolia by the Academy of Culture and Poetry in preparation of the 26th World Congress of Poets (WCP) to be held in Ulaanbaatar from 26 August to 3 September 2006. It contains an introduction to the WCP as well as several congratulatory letters from representatives of the World Academy of Arts and Culture and the President Emeritus of the WCP and is edited by G. Mend-Ooyo. The 26th WCP is supported by the Government as part of the 800th anniversary of the Great Mongolian Empire. Among the activities planned for this event will be a translation of the Best World Poetry into Mongolian, the creation of the DVD of poetry and a series of lectures and meetings of poets.
The details of these are all explained in the first part of this new magazine. The rest of the magazine is dedicated to a collection of Mongolian and world poetry by different authors. Helpful biographies are provided at the end of each poem, giving a useful introduction to poets that may be largely unknown to western readers. The layout of the magazine is also very accessible for both the poetry enthusiast and the occasional reader. However, some of the world poetry, where the original is written in a language other than English, is only translated into Mongolian. It would be of interest to readers who do not speak Russian, Japanese or Chinese to be able to read these poems as well.
In addition to the poetry, there are also sections of the magazine dedicated to Mongolian art, literature and cultural traditions. These provide a fascinating insight into Mongolian culture, both traditional and contemporary, for any reader. More information can be obtained by emailing: mendooyo@magicnet.mn
(May 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
Modern Mongolian Stories in English
A compilation of "Some Modern Mongolian Stories in Mongolian and English" has been launched by the Foreign Language School at the Science and Technical University. The compilation includes 33 masterpieces by famous representatives of modern Mongolian literature D. Natsagdorj, Ts. Damdinsuren. B. Rinchen, Ch. Lodoidamba, D. Myagmar, P. Luvsantseren and S. Erdene. English teachers at the university, S. Narantuya and S. Dugarmaa, compiled the book. S. Dugarmaa said, "While compiling the book, we included not only English translations, but also put them together with Mongolian originals to help people who are doing comparative studies of Mongolian and English languages, literature and translations. It is also useful to use it in class for translation practice". More information about the book is available from the Foreign Language School at the Science and Technical University.
(April 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
H. C. Andersen in Mongolia
Many Mongolians have marked the 200th birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, famed worldwide for his stories and tales. His stories were first translated into Mongolian by writer and scholar B. Rinchen in 1925. Since then, his books have frequently been published and they are still keenly read by many young Mongolians today. To mark the event, an International Children's Book Festival was organized in the Children's Book Palace that was attended by children's authors, illustrators of children's books, researchers, librarians, teachers and children. Mongolian National Television also organized a tale-festival for children called "Eternal Andersen" and guests from the author's native country, children's writers and children who like books attended it.
Famous Mongolian actors played the role of Andersen during the festivals and they told children about their own life stories and works. During the events, international organization World Vision Mongolia published a storybook by Andersen called "Talisman".
Also during the events, a branch of the International Board of Books for Young People (IBBY) was established in Mongolia and Mongolia expressed its intention to enroll with the IBBY as a member.
(April 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
"Secret History" to Be Honoured by All Mongolian Families 
The President of Mongolia has decreed that the book The Secret History of the Mongols should be kept in a place of honour by all Mongolian families. The Secret History of the Mongols was the first written historical record reflecting in prose and poetry based on historical facts, the origin of the ancient Mongolian emperors, and the Great Emperor Chinggis Khan's life and struggle, as well as describing the ordinary people of that time. Several Mongolian scientists have recreated it in its original classic form by carefully examining previous versions.
The printing company "Munkhiin Useg" (Eternal Scripts) has published "The Secret History of the Mongols" complete with the precious stone insets and covers made of hide, silk and velvet to be kept, not only by the Government and governmental organizations, but also by the ordinary families.
(March 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
Children "Wise in Books"
In order to promote reading among children, the Children's Cultural Fund and the Centre for Children's Rights have created a badge and honor "Wise in Books". The badge will be awarded to children who read many books and obtain much from the contents. From ancient times, the Mongols have expressed in verse ten important tenets of learning, when bringing up and educating their children. These ten tenets,  which every child must follow with respect, begin with the verse "Wise in books, light sleeper". So the Mongols always consider books as the fountain of knowledge and that's why they used the slogan "Wise in Books" for the badge.
In 2005, it is planned to organize reading within the framework of 108 volumes that have been published in a series of books "Golden Tales", which includes the best stories for children from Mongolia and the rest of the world, and a composition competition is to be held for children under the topic "What have you learned from books?" The winners will be awarded with the badge of honour "Wise in Books".
(March 2005, Jambyn Dashdondog, APPREB correspondent)
Children's Book Palace
The plan in the Government Programme realized in 2002-2004 to create a "Children's Book Palace" has recently been realized.
A big section of the State Public Library has been changed into the "Children's Book Palace" and the official opening ceremony has recently taken place. Nambar Enkhbayar, Prime Minister of Mongolia, opened the Children's Book Palace and emphasized that the palace will play an important role in developing the intelligence of children into highly educated citizens who will carry the future of Mongolia.
The Children's Book Palace has 8 reading rooms catering to all children up to the age of 16. Many reading rooms such as "Much Know" for pre-school children, "Longing" for school children and "Internet Reading" have been opened.
Children's writers attended the opening ceremony and presented books written by themselves to the Children's Book Palace.
D. Oyunbileg, Director of the Palace, said that there are over 100,000 Mongolian books but also books published in English, German, Japanese and Korean.
(May 2003, Jambyn Dashdondog, ABD correspondent)
Mongolian Lterature "Golden Feather" Festival
The Mongolian literature "2002 Golden Feather" festival was held at the Academic Theatre for Opera and Ballet. This festival aims to develop equally Mongolian literature of all genres.
The prize-winners were those with best work and fresh ideas. The best writer of the year was G. Auyrzana, the best poet, L. Ulziitugs, the best playwrite, D. Batregzedmaa, the best researcher, D. Galbaatar, the best children's writer, J. Dashdondog, and the best translator, Sh. Odontur.
(March 2003, Jambyn Dashdondog, ABD correspondent)
Internet Services in the Ulaanbaatar Public Library
The Metropolitan Central Library of Ulaanbaatar (MCL) named after D. Natsagdori was connected to Internet in 1999. The Internet catalogue holds bibliographic records of 36000 resources. The MCL webpage contains a full text database of Mongolian Literature. The MCL organizes "Guide training of the Internet" and shows how to use free email accounts.
In library automation, MCL has been using Alice software since 1998, so there are data on 10000 registered patrons and fingerprints for library loan service. In 2003, MCL is working to publish a library CD Catalogue. Contact Mr. Begzsuren (e-mail mcl-ub@magicnet.mn.) for further inquiries.
(March 2003, Jambyn Dashdondog, ABD correspondent)
Fair of Children's Books Held in the Great Gobi
The children of the Gobi have written their letters to the travelling library and asked the library to come to where they reside. In spite of the heavy snowfall in Mongolia, the library had no other choice than to pave its way to the locations answering to the genuine request of children. Overcoming many difficulties and complications on its way, it reached the Gobi and organized a festival of children's books. During its travel through many soums (countries) of Dornogobi and Gobi-Sumber aimags, the travelling library managed to arrange and hold such many undertakings and measures as children's book readings, exhibitions, fairs, meetings of children's book writers, question-and-answer contests on children's books, and competitions of children's poetry.
This time, children's book festivity was not only directed to the children alone, but also involved their parents through such training and seminar activities on the topic: "A good book facilitates the work of upbringing a child". The parents of the children in the Gobi areas have been expressing their gratitude and thanked the travelling library for their acquiring a proper knowledge and understanding of what kind of books there are to be selected and give children to read.
Thus the children of the Gobi country, who are constantly in bad need of good books, have expressed their delight having a rare chance to read the best masterpieces and books of the world written for children, starting from the great story-teller Andersen, saying the despite the cold outside they, the children, have really found internal warmth through the tasty reading of these wonderful books.
(December 2002, Jambyn Dashdondog, ABD correspondent)
Exhibition of Children's Book Illustrations
Mongolian Children's Book Illustration Art attained an advanced level of development in 2001. The Art Exhibition "Galaikhan" held by Damba Odgerel confirms this advancement. Researchers estimated that 108 illustrations made for a book "Tales on Horseback" by Dashdondog, a children's writer, are creations displaying a new level of abstract thinking. Damba Odgerel is an artist who has been awarded a second prize in the State Competition of Children's Book Illustration for his works made for a story "Talk Between Cow, Sheep and Goat" by Agvaankhaidav, a 19th century writer.
(September 2002, Jambyn Dashdondog, ABD correspondent)
Great Khan's History Revealed
The Exhibition, "Lord Genghis, Living For Ever in Books" has recently opened in the Central Library of Mongolia on the occasion of the 840th anniversary of Genghis Khan's birth. Over 180 books and sutras that tell about the Great Khan are presented in the exhibition, offering a chance to see ancient historic books, including "The Secret History of Mongolia", composed in 1240, and "History of Yuan Dynasty", consisting of 210 volumes.
A family-tree book of Mongolia was among the most interesting pieces in the exhibition. It is believed that Mongolians originated from Borte (wolf) and Goo Maral (hind). A 100 x 352-cm paper with a family tree of 42 descendants of Borte and Goo Maral was on show to the public for the first time. Also, a 71.1-meter long and 22-cm wide rolled-book, named "Treasure Rosary" was mounted in the exhibition. Over 60 books written by foreign scholars and scientists were presented in the "Lord Genghis, Living For Ever in Books" exhibition.
(Jambyn Dashdondog, May 2002)
Book Illustrators Find Voice
B. Bolormaa and I. Ganbaatar, students of the Mongolian Fine Arts University, have founded the Golden Apple Association for Mongolian illustrators of children's books. The Association will organize competitions of illustrators, mount exhibitions, and help them to participate in international competitions. Recently, their kickoff ceremony was held at the Children's Palace.
(Jambyn Dashdondog, February 2002)
Traditional Book Fair
The traditional book fair opened at the Central Palace of Culture. President N. Bagabandi, Education Minister A. Tsanjid, eminent Mongolian writer L. Tudev, poets D. Purevdorn, Sh. Surenjav and others attended the opening ceremony of the 5-day event. A special yellow silk certificate of the State Public Library was handed over to Christopher Finch for his notable contribution to book development in Mongolia and the director of the Culture and Art Foundation Byambajav.
Meetings, exchange of opinions and practical conferences were held among the city and local libraries, an exhibition of rare books was displayed and some rare books were sold at an auction.
(Jambyn Dashdondog, February 2002)
Book Awards
Nine Mongolian books won awards in the recent literary competition held by the Monsudar Printing House.
The first printed copy of the book called Mementog Buteehui (Create Mementos) by state honored writer D. Batbayar won the first prize in the competition and was bought by a member of the public for Tg255,000. The book Zuggatai Tanin Medehui by B. Baabar, B. Tsenddoo and Ts. Amarjargal took the second prize and was bought by a member of the public for Tg180,000. (Jambyn Dashdondog, October 2001)
Books Travel to Kids
During the childrens holiday, the book travelling club 'Altan Ulger' (Golden Tale) travelled through the countryside, distributing books to rural children. Librarians and writers for children joined the travellling book club and organized the activity 'Amttai Nom' (Sweet Book) which was participated by about 8,000 children altogether. Within the framework of the activity, a quiz was held, and children read the books, sang songs, recited poems and told tales. Besides that, food, cultural goods and clothes were distributed to children. Children were interested in reading books by H. Andersen and the Brothers Grimm and were curious about books by Japanese writers, which were gathered and sent by pupils of Japanese schools to Mongolian children who lack reading books. The organization, The International Friendship of Children in Asia, sent 10,000 books gathered by children and an autobus dedicated as a travelling library, cultural goods, food and clothes for 100,000 children in Mongolia. The Mongolian Childrens Cultural Foundation is organizing the translation of those books and so far 6,000 of them have been translated. In the translation work, 400 students from Mongolian Foreign Language University and Institute participated. Those books include not only Japanese ones, but also those of other foreign countries. The travelling library travelled through Bulgan, Ovorkhangai, and Tov Aimags and did charity work for children. They intend to continue this travel. (Jambyn Dashdondog, August 2001)
Special Book Merits Special Day
A Book Appreciation Day was recently held, in which 108 volumes of the Mongolian canon "Kanjur" were displayed. The multi-volume work is kept stored in the National Library of Mongolia. "Kanjur" is a respected sutra that links Mongolia's history with the rest of Asia's past. The canon is a full collection of Buddhist teachings. Currently, 1.5 million ancient wooden seals and manuscripts are being kept in the National Library. (Jambyn Dashdondog, May 2001)
Mobile Library
Ever since the fall of Communism ten years ago, books have been increasingly hard to come by. With a failure of the school system and collapse of the social safety net, access to books has been limited to the wealthy.
That is changing in Ulaanbaatar with the launch of the first ever mobile-book truck. The service, provided by the Natsagdorj Public Library, is now operating in remote city districts.
The goal of the Mobile Library project, initiated by the City Public Library and financed by the Mongolian Foundation for Open Society, goes beyond traditional library services. The mobile library intends to serve as a sort of meeting place, a town hall and information centre. It is hoped that a similar system can be set up in rural areas.
The Mobile Library has a collection of around 4,000 books including Mongolian and foreign literature, children's books, and science journals. It will even include Internet service. (Jambyn Dashdondog, December 2000)
A Bookworm's Delight
Book Fair 2000, staged at the Central Library, drew a large crowd of authors, publishers and bookworms. The event, the third of its kind, included around 40 press organisations and managed to sell around 2,500 books worth Tg10 million, Admon Printing House managed to make sales worth Tg2.8 million.
The directors of libraries from 20 aimags joined the book fair and ordered texts under a book donation project, 75 % supported by the Soros Foundation. Participants of the fair also discussed research results made by UNESCO, Soros and the Ministry of Enlightenment regarding the press sector and a law draft on book publishing. The fair was also an opportunity for authors, printing houses and libraries to strike deals with one another. (Jambyn Dashdondog, November 2000)
Kids' Journey Follows Book of Legends
Recently, a special journey was arranged in Mongolia. 26 children traveled in six-horse carts through places where there are rocks that resemble animals described in the book "Stone Legends" written by J. Dashdondog (ISBN: 99929-5-176-1), which contains 9 legends about animals of Mongolia.
The book tells stories of courageous animals that sacrificed themselves for others and evolved into stone figures. Such marvelous stone sculptures created by mother nature cannot be found in a museum. The children experienced them with interest, talked about the book, and returned with a feeling of love and a desire to protect mother earth and animals. During the journey the children created artworks, measured water pollution, cleaned up nature and learned how to make toys from garbage using a Japanese method. Mongolian folk games were played. The Environment Ministry received the children. The journey was organised by the Mongolian Children's Cultural Foundation and funded by Japan Fund for Global Environment. (September 2000)
Children's Illustration Turns New Page of History
Although children's book illustrations have been developing for several years in Mongolia, there have been few pieces that could open up the unlimited imagination of children.
But now the first ever competition for illustrators has been organized by the Mongolian Children's Cultural Foundation, in line with the Year of Supporting Child Development.
Painters drew illustrations for books by Mongolian, English, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Indian authors. The surprise winner of the competition was a 6th grade school boy, B. Batjin from the 97th secondary school of Ulaanbaatar. The runners-up were Ch. Ganbaatar and D. Odgerel.
Soon a series of children's books, the Golden Tale, will be published with illustrations by the participants. Some of the illustrations will also be entered for a similar international competition.
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