Sharjah Public Libraries set for diverse cultural programme

As part of its centennial celebrations, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) will roll out a comprehensive cultural programme from May to July 2025.

The agenda features a curated lineup of seminars, literary discussions and expert-led activities, organised in collaboration with leading cultural institutions across the emirate.

The events form part of SPL’s flagship initiatives, “Institutional Collaboration” and “Authors Spotlight,” aimed at enriching the public’s engagement with knowledge, heritage and the written word.

The opening event in the “Institutional Collaboration” series, “Reviving Forgotten Pages,” will be held on Thursday, May 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum.

Organised in partnership with the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage and the Sharjah Museums Authority, the event features a panel discussion titled “The Home Library: Promoting Reading and Organising Books.”

The session will explore the cultural value of home libraries, emphasising their role in preserving literary heritage and fostering regular reading habits.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops under the title “Book Clinic,” offering practical guidance on cleaning, preserving and rebinding old books.

The event will conclude with a cultural tour of the museum, featuring an immersive experience in ancient writing techniques using clay and the South Arabian Musnad script.

SPL will host “The Cultural Message” on Wednesday, July 30, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Holy Quran Academy, in collaboration with Al Qasimia University.

The event will explore Islamic civilisation’s intellectual and scientific legacy and its influence on global progress.

Discussions will cover the contributions of Muslim scholars to fields such as medicine, astronomy and mathematics, the enduring cultural impact of Islamic heritage, and the values of coexistence and tolerance.

The programme also features a specialised workshop on Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation, offering participants a rich and immersive cultural experience.

On Tuesday, July 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, SPL will conclude its “Institutional Collaboration” series with a literary event titled “Horizons of Writers and Poets – Echoes of Modernity,” held at the House of Wisdom.

Targeting adults and youth aged 14 to 18, the seminar will explore the evolution of contemporary Arabic poetry through a blend of panel discussions, interactive workshops and a live poetry reading.

The event will feature four poets from different generations, presenting a dynamic and multi-layered portrayal of modern Arabic verse.

SPL will also host a panel discussion as part of the “Authors Spotlight” series, which showcases influential literary and intellectual voices from the Arab world. Scheduled for Saturday, July 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, the session will feature acclaimed Iraqi novelist Ali Bader in a conversation moderated by Dr Amina Al Hashimi.

The discussion will explore key moments in Bader’s literary career, with particular attention to his works addressing themes of exile and identity, such as “Papa Sartre.”

Earlier this year, SPL hosted the “Exhibition of the Lens of Literary Beginnings” from April 21 to May 4, collaborating with the Emirates Writers and Authors Union.

The exhibition provided an interactive journey through the early creative experiences of Emirati writers, featuring digital displays highlighting their biographies and debut works.

Visitors also had the opportunity to use vintage typewriters to write motivational messages encouraging reading, while enjoying a compact cultural cafe that added a warm, literary ambience to the experience.

In an interactive touch, the exhibition invited visitors to write their own messages about reading on a vintage typewriter, offering a personal connection to the literary journey.

A mini cultural café further enhanced the experience, offering a space for reflection and fostering a lively literary atmosphere.