On 24 July, the State Library of Turkmenistan hosted the grand opening of an exhibition and fair of classical English-language literature, dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and US Independence Day. This was reported by the IIC.

Before the opening ceremony, US Ambassador to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood visited the Foreign Language Literature Department, which houses a unique collection of 60,000 books in 50 languages, including 30,000 publications in English. Of particular interest was a book disinfection device donated by the American side in 2009, which helps preserve rare copies.

Acting Library Director Lachyn Nurmuhamedova emphasised the importance of the library as a centre for international cultural exchange and congratulated Ambassador Rood on the anniversary of her diplomatic service in Turkmenistan. In her response, the US Ambassador noted the successful development of humanitarian ties between the two countries, especially in the field of education through American Council programmes.