SPL explores history of libraries at SIBF

Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) will explore the history of libraries and their role in preserving knowledge and shaping civilisations through seven events at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), taking place from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Made of Stories”.

SPL’s programme, “Library of Civilisation”, features three pillars: “Book in Focus”, “Behind the Scenes” and “The Big Book Club”.

Preserving knowledge across generations

Eman Bushulaibi, Director of SPL, said: “Libraries tell the story of how human knowledge has developed through the efforts of generations of scholars, writers and researchers who collected, documented and passed it on. Through ‘Library of Civilisation’, we want visitors to discover the stories behind books and manuscripts and learn how libraries have preserved societies’ collective memory and cultural heritage.”

She added: “Introducing younger generations to the history of libraries is closely linked to encouraging them to read and make use of the knowledge resources available today. We want libraries to be places for dialogue and discovery, where readers can engage with authors and researchers and gain a deeper understanding of how knowledge is produced and verified. Through our programmes, we aim to strengthen the role of libraries in cultural life and encourage a lasting interest in reading and learning.”

Exploring history through books

The “Book in Focus” pillar features authors discussing works on Islamic and Andalusian history.

Sharjah Public Libraries seek to foster a love for reading and learning.

Writer and poet Sheikha Al Mutairi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Writers Union and Head of the National Culture and Documents Section and the Public Relations and Media Section at the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage, will discuss her book Days of Books in “Thus Spoke the Books” on Thursday, November 5, at 5 pm, sharing stories from years spent working among bookshelves.

On Friday, November 6, at 5 pm, Emirati author Ahmed Rashid Bin Fahad will discuss Granada After the Fall: The Story of an Undefeated People in “Thus Spoke History”, examining the fall of Granada and the human and historical changes that accompanied it.

Dr Mashhad Al Allaf, Professor of Philosophy of Science, Ethics and Logic in the Department of History and Islamic Civilisation at the University of Sharjah, will present “Thus Spoke Arabic” on November 13, exploring Arab civilisation’s influence on the West and the transmission of scientific knowledge and terminology from Arabic into Latin languages.

The stories behind the books

The “Behind the Scenes” pillar explores how books are researched and produced, from gathering sources and examining manuscripts to developing ideas for publication.

Dr Hamad Al Jabri will open the pillar on Saturday, November 7, with “The Art of Travel Writing”, drawing on his adventures in Latin America to discuss how travel experiences and encounters with different cultures can be turned into travel literature.

On Thursday, November 12, Dr Sami Al Naqbi, a professor at the University of Al Dhaid, will discuss his search for rare references, including his experience with The State of Islam in Al-Andalus, in a session titled “Books That Shaped the Story”.

Emirati writer and researcher Fahad Ali Al Mamari will present “In Search of Rare Books” on Saturday, November 14, sharing his experience building a home library of approximately 12,000 volumes and searching for rare books and reference materials.

Young readers explore graphic storytelling

The programme will also feature an event for young readers, “The Big Book Club”, organised in collaboration with Khorfakkan Youth Centre on Sunday, November 8, at 11 am. Participants will discuss The Pawned Dagger, a book presented in comic-book format.

SPL will offer fair visitors an exclusive 50% discount on adult membership fees when they register at its stand in Hall 4 (K2) during the event. Under the offer, membership fees will be reduced from Dhs160 to Dhs75, inclusive of VAT.

The initiative aims to encourage visitors to join the libraries and use their services and knowledge resources throughout the year.