Libraries are one of the institutions that serve as depositories of knowledge and information, and in this task they also play an important role in disseminating information and organizing activities that provide public education, and create awareness and understanding of important concerns.
In 1990, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) set up the UNESCO Network of Associated Libraries (UNAL). The aim is to bring together and support a number of libraries from all regions of the world which will work in association with UNESCO to promote dialogue between different cultures, encourage multicultural initiatives, foster public awareness of international issues and spread knowledge of the Organization's main activities. According to UNESCO, libraries and books have proved effective tools in doing so.