18 August 2026 13:52 |
Last updated: 18 August 14:11 2026
During one of the library events
Summary
Sharjah Libraries: 188,000 visits by mid-2026, 555 events and 307,000 transactions; enhancing digital services and vast print collections.
Sharjah Public Libraries have reported over 188,000 visits from the start of 2025 through the first half of 2026. During this period, the libraries executed 555 cultural, knowledge-based, and community events, resulting in more than 307,000 library transactions. These figures illustrate the various ways the public is benefiting from library resources, including visiting branches, participating in programmes, and utilising collections.
Community Hub
Imane Bouchelibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries, stated, “These indicators reflect the growing presence of libraries as vibrant spaces for learning and community interaction. The increasing attendance at events, rising rates of material transactions, and the use of digital resources all confirm that community members view the library as a partner in lifelong learning, providing access to knowledge in diverse formats that meet the needs of different groups.”
Imane Bouchelibi
She further added, “At Sharjah Libraries, we strive to create a comprehensive experience that combines literature with cultural activities and digital services. We aim to ensure every visitor finds something that meets their interests and needs—whether they are readers, students, researchers, or families seeking a shared knowledge experience. The success of the library today is measured by its ability to be a part of the daily lives of the community.”
Centennial Year
In 2025, Sharjah Public Libraries welcomed over 133,000 visitors and conducted 388 cultural, knowledge-driven, and community events attended by more than 22,000 people, resulting in more than 208,000 materials transactions. The programmes addressed various age and social categories, featuring 75 youth-oriented programmes, 73 for children, 53 for adults and families, 13 designed for women, 8 for senior citizens, and 4 for individuals with disabilities.
The range of activities included storytelling sessions, reading clubs, author meet-ups, community events, and sessions dedicated to accessibility and inclusivity. The centennial year also saw collaborations with cultural, educational, and community institutions across the emirate, focusing on literary beginnings, cultural heritage, authors and poets’ aspirations, and cultural sustainability.
Throughout the year, the “Book Under the Spotlight” series facilitated direct interactions between the public and writers with diverse literary and cultural backgrounds, accompanied by exhibitions that highlighted authors’ careers and their debut publications. On the collections and services front, the libraries added approximately 27,000 new items to their collections in 2025, with the active membership exceeding 16,000. Furthermore, electronic resources recorded over 421,000 search transactions, along with tens of thousands of views through the “PressReader” platform, showcasing the public’s engagement with digital resources alongside print collections.
In the first half of 2026, the libraries received 55,703 visitors and executed 167 programmes attended by 8,526 participants, recording 98,991 materials transactions. They offer their audience a wealth of knowledge comprising 827,353 printed books and a digital collection exceeding 18.9 million items, in addition to over 26,800 active subscriptions or acquisitions from periodicals, making knowledge accessible in 40 languages. This extensive array positions the libraries as valuable resources for readers, students, and researchers seeking varied knowledge avenues.