The Sharjah Public Libraries are set to take audiences on a captivating journey through the history of libraries and their pivotal role in the development of civilisations during the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair. Scheduled to run from 4 to 15 November at the Sharjah Expo Centre, this year’s theme, “From the Makers of Tales,” will feature a cultural programme titled “The Library of Civilisation,” comprising seven activities across three main pillars: “Books in the Spotlight,” “Behind the Scenes,” and “The Big Book Club.”
The Library as a Guardian of Civilisation
Commenting on the participation programme, Iman Bushleibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries, remarked, “The library is a witness to the evolution of human knowledge, reflecting the efforts of generations of scholars, writers, and researchers in collecting, documenting, and transmitting it. With our theme this year, ‘The Library of Civilisation,’ we aim to shine a light on this journey and provide the public with the opportunity to discover the stories behind books and manuscripts, as well as understand the role libraries have played in preserving communal memory and cultural heritage.”
She further emphasised, “We believe that introducing younger generations to the history of libraries is closely linked to encouraging them to read and utilise the knowledge resources available today. Therefore, we ensure that libraries are spaces for dialogue and discovery, where readers meet authors and researchers, fostering a relationship with books that transcends mere reading to encompass understanding how knowledge is produced and verified. This is what we seek to establish through our programmes, which enhance the presence of libraries in the cultural life of the community and encourage individuals to build a lasting relationship with books and learning.”
Spotlighting Iconic Historical Narratives
The “Books in the Spotlight” segment invites attendees to delve into significant events from Islamic and Andalusian history through engaging sessions with a selection of esteemed authors. One such session features writer and poet Sheikha Al-Mutairi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Writers Union, who will speak on 5 November at 5 PM about her book “Days of Books,” sharing stories accumulated over years of literary work.
On 6 November, Emirati author Ahmed Rashid Bin Fahad will host a session titled “Thus Spoke History” at 5 PM, exploring his book “Granada After the Fall: The Tale of an Unconquered People,” which revisits the events surrounding the fall of Granada and the associated human and historical transformations.
Later, on 13 November, Dr. Mashhad Al-Alaf, a professor of philosophy of science and ethics at the University of Sharjah, will lead discussions on “Thus Spoke Arabic,” examining the impact of Arab civilisation on the West and how scientific knowledge and terminology transitioned from Arabic to Latin languages.
Unveiling the Craft of Book Creation
The “Behind the Scenes” pillar reveals the processes involved before a book reaches library shelves, from sourcing materials and scrutinising manuscripts to developing ideas and crafting published works.
Kicking off this segment on 7 November, Dr. Hamad Al-Jabri will discuss “The Art of Travel Writing,” sharing his adventures through Latin American nations and how he channels his travel experiences and cultural discoveries into travel literature.
On 12 November, attendees will meet Dr. Sami Al-Naqbi from Al Dhaid University, who will present “Books That Crafted Tales,” discussing his quest for rare references and his experience related to “The State of Islam in Al-Andalus.”
Emirati writer and researcher Fahd Ali Al-Maamari will join the programme on 14 November in a session titled “In Pursuit of Rare Books,” sharing insights from his journey of establishing a personal library of approximately 12,000 volumes and his exploration of rare references and resources.
Engaging Young Minds at The Big Book Club
The programme also includes a focus on youth with “The Big Book Club,” organised in collaboration with the Khorfakkan Youth Centre. This event will take place on 8 November at 11 AM, featuring discussions around the illustrated book “The Mortgaged Dagger,” presented in a comic style.
Visitors to the fair can also enjoy a 50% discount on adult membership fees at the Sharjah Public Libraries, exclusively available for those registering during the exhibition days at the libraries’ booth in Hall K2. This promotion reduces the membership fee from AED 160 to AED 75, inclusive of tax, aimed at encouraging the community to join libraries and make use of their resources year-round.
The participation of Sharjah Public Libraries in this year’s fair underscores their commitment to promoting a culture of reading, providing direct engagement spaces for the public with authors and researchers, and highlighting the value of libraries as institutions that safeguard cultural memory and facilitate access to knowledge for future generations.