The grand opening of the new library “Haigashen & Marie Ouzounian” was held at Tekeyan Centre. The library is named after the intellectual, public and political leader, benefactor, head member of the AGBU Central Board, founding member of the Tekeyan Cultural Association Haigashen Ouzounian who was awarded the First Order of St. Gregory the Illuminator, the medal of Movses Khorenatsi, the AGBU Alex Manoogian Prize. The library is mainly based on H.Ouzounian’s personal collection transferred from Cyprus to Yerevan after his death.

The opening was attended by guests from Armenia, England, Cyprus, France, Switzerland, Lebanon. The ceremonial red ribbon was cut by Taline Avakian, H.Ouzounian’s daughter, and TCF Director Armen Tsulikyan who delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing the significance of the newly established library at Tekeyan Centre. “It opens a new page in the history of the Fund and makes its activity more important and beneficial for public”, he mentioned.

In her speech, Taline Avakian noted that she had the idea of founding the library at Tekeyan Centre due to the mission and vision of the Fund to preserve and promote the national identity and heritage.

Chairman of the Tekeyan Cultural Association, Honorary Worker of Culture of RA, Professor Ruben Mirzakhanyan presented the life and patriotic activities of Haigashen Ouzounian. He also touched upon his efforts against the closure of the Melkonian Educational Institute in Cyprus.

Words of honour and appreciation were conveyed in the blessed memory of Haigashen Ouzounian. There were also offers for collaboration; on behalf of the TCA, Ruben Mirzakhanyan expressed readiness to replenish the library with new books every quarter. Ruzan Petrosyan, Director of Mughni Publishing House, was willing to contribute to the library by donating copies of all the books published by their publishing house since 2001.
Narine Khachaturyan, responsible person for the library, presented a brief summary of the works and functions of the "Haigashen and Marie Ouzounian" library, noting that the library continues to be actively replenished and tends to become a centre for the Diaspora Armenian literature at the national level. “After having become a cultural, scientific and educational institution, the library can serve to meet the academic needs of students, scientists, writers, journalists and common readers”, pointed out N.Khachaturyan.