AMERICAN EMBASSY CELEBRATES AMERICAN CORNER

On April 14, the U.S. Embassy marked the re-opening of the Yerevan American Corner at the City Central Library's new location by the Republic Square Metro Station (or some other description of the location). The inauguration also marks the Corner's fourth year of operations in Yerevan. In her remarks, Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch said, "The United States has a longstanding commitment to spreading the ideas and values of American democracy, and to engaging and maintaining an open dialogue with people throughout the world." American Corners are small American-style libraries that provide information about America in a variety of formats, including reference books, works of fiction, journals, and videos. 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. A network of over 400 American Corners is operating globally through partnerships between the U.S. Department of State and local host organizations. The American Corner program officially began in Armenia in April 2005 when the U.S. Embassy inaugurated the first Corner in Yerevan. Over the past four years, over 35,000 people have visited the corner. Additional Corners are located in Gyumri, Vanadzor and Kapan.