Sharjah Public Libraries Centennial: Celebrating 100 Years Of Cultural Contributions With Year-Long Events

Since the start of 2025, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) has been celebrating a century of cultural and intellectual contributions. This year-long programme, running until December 2025, highlights SPL's mission to foster knowledge and its historical role in society. The events focus on literature, identity, and cultural sustainability, underscoring the library's importance in preserving memory while adapting to future changes.

In collaboration with over 13 government and cultural entities across the emirate, SPL will introduce a series of creative and knowledge-focused events from August to December. These initiatives aim to engage audiences of all ages and raise awareness about libraries as active platforms for knowledge exchange. The programme seeks to transform libraries into vibrant spaces for dialogue and creativity.

Eman Bushulaibi, Director of SPL, commented on the upcoming events: "SPL centennial marks a pivotal moment to highlight the essential role libraries play in shaping community awareness and driving cultural development. Through our comprehensive centennial program, we renew our commitment to transforming libraries into vibrant spaces for knowledge production and central hubs for dialogue, creativity, and being open to the future."

The celebration kicks off in August with a panel discussion titled ‘Songs of the Sea and Poetry’. This event explores classical Arabic poetry aesthetics through live readings by renowned poets. Artist Humaid Al Zaabi will perform traditional sea songs and display personal collections reflecting his connection to the sea environment.

September focuses on poetry with a panel titled ‘From Ink to Poetry’. Three acclaimed poets will discuss their creative journeys and influences. A calligraphy workshop led by artist Ali Al Hammadi will visually render selected poetic verses in Arabic calligraphy, enhancing their expressive impact.

Cultural Sustainability Focus

In October, activities continue under the ‘Cultural Sustainability’ theme with a session called ‘Between Story and Craft’. This session examines palm trees' role in Emirati heritage, exploring traditional crafts reliant on palm parts like papermaking. Participants will learn paper-handmaking basics using local materials.

A puppet theatre performance in November will convey cultural messages through engaging storylines for children. The event includes a workshop teaching puppet design and production, fostering innovation among young participants.

Creative Workshops Conclude Celebrations

The celebrations conclude in December with workshops merging literature and art. In ‘Through the Eyes of Literature’, participants explore creative photography basics by turning literary texts into photographs. Another workshop titled ‘Sound and Color’ involves transforming sounds into visual artworks that reflect emotions and cultural perceptions.

SPL’s centennial celebration not only commemorates its past but also looks forward to its future role as a hub for culture and knowledge. By offering diverse programmes that inspire creativity and participation, SPL reinforces Sharjah’s status as a permanent capital of culture.

With inputs from WAM