A Report from the Islamic Book Depot (UK)
by Selim Ahmed
The Light (UK), September 2001 Issue (p. 1)
The name ‘The Islamic Book Depot’ refers to all book distribution activities of the UK Jamaat [branch of the Movement]. Since early 1999 C.E., the Islamic Book Depot has been representing the UK Jamaat on the Internet through a website at www.islamic-book-depot.org.uk [page no longer available]. The site provides links to web pages representing other jamaats of the AAIIL [Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam Lahore] and their members, and the monthly Bulletin is posted in the bulletins sub-directory for browsing online.
Books, however, are the main theme of the website. Visitors may browse the book descriptions and reviews, for which images are provided in many cases, and pick up much essential information about the life and teachings of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and the work of the AAIIL along the way.
The Islamic Book Depot now offers, through its website, a ‘free information pack’ to those desiring more information about Islam and the AAIIL. This is part of the UK Jamaat’s broader programme of free book distribution. Books have been sent recently to Spain, Mexico, Jordan, Nigeria, the Philippines, India, Kashmir, Pakistan, Egypt, Russia, the Bahamas and Malaysia, as well as to numerous enquirers in the United Kingdom. Some of these have been requested specifically for the purpose of helping to teach Islam to school pupils or to help spread the knowledge of Islam in the West.
Both through the website and through the medium of advertisements, books are also sold to the public and to booksellers. Substantial progress has been made in bringing the publications of the AAIIL to the attention of the reading public in the UK and worldwide.