In a remarkable international celebration of cultural achievements, the Emirate of Sharjah marked a historic milestone by delivering a keynote address at the American Library Association’s conference in Chicago. This event not only marked the first time an Arab nation was represented at the conference’s opening in its 150-year history but also underscored the profound importance of the initiative “مكتبة لكل بيت” (Library for Every Home), which seeks to integrate reading into the fabric of daily life.
A Historic Participation
Sharjah’s presence at the conference coincided with the American Library Association’s 150th anniversary, attracting more than 5,000 guests, including key leaders and representatives from library and cultural institutions worldwide. Notable attendees included Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and ALA President Sam Helmick.
Global Recognition for Cultural Initiatives
The cultural project of Sharjah, particularly the “مكتبة لكل بيت” initiative, received widespread acclaim from American librarians and specialists. They expressed keen interest in how this initiative successfully delivers books directly to families, thereby transforming reading from a distant institution into a home-centric activity. To date, the initiative has provided over 2.1 million books to more than 42,000 Emirati households.
Insights from Sharjah’s Leadership
Conference attendees commended Sharjah’s significant contributions to the global cultural landscape, which are attributed to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and the support of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. They assert that Sharjah’s innovative approach to developing libraries and the publishing sector serves as an international model for utilizing knowledge and reading as tools for human development.
Engagement and Collaboration
Ahmed Bin Rakkad, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, took the stage as the inaugural speaker from outside the U.S. during the opening session. He presented a vision of libraries as dynamic institutions and emphasized that access to books must begin at home and extend through schools, universities, and public institutions. “Sharjah believes in the role of libraries in expanding educational opportunities and building communities,” said Bin Rakkad. “Our initiatives, especially ‘مكتبة لكل بيت,’ highlight the sustainable value of investing in knowledge.”
The delegation from the Sharjah Book Authority participated in several bilateral meetings with publishers, librarians, and representatives from knowledge institutions. These discussions focused on exploring collaborative opportunities within the publishing and library sectors and on how best to connect Arabic content with global networks of libraries and cultural institutions. These engagements provided valuable insights into the needs of participating organizations, paving the way for future projects.