Sharjah Public Libraries Launches Cultural Programme For Centennial Celebrations From May To July 2025

Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) is marking its 100th anniversary with a cultural programme from May to July 2025. This initiative includes seminars, literary discussions, and expert-led activities. These events are organised in collaboration with cultural institutions across Sharjah, aiming to enhance public engagement with knowledge, heritage, and literature.

The "Institutional Collaboration" series will kick off on 29th May at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. The event, titled "Reviving Forgotten Pages", is organised with the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage and the Sharjah Museums Authority. It features a panel discussion on "The Home Library: Promoting Reading and Organising Books".

Participants can engage in workshops called "Book Clinic", which provide practical advice on cleaning, preserving, and rebinding old books. The day will end with a museum tour that offers an immersive experience in ancient writing techniques using clay and the South Arabian Musnad script.

On 30th July, SPL will host "The Cultural Message" at the Holy Quran Academy in partnership with Al Qasimia University. This event will delve into the intellectual and scientific contributions of Islamic civilisation to global progress. Discussions will highlight Muslim scholars' achievements in medicine, astronomy, and mathematics.

The programme also includes a workshop on Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation. This provides attendees with a rich cultural experience while exploring the enduring impact of Islamic heritage and values of coexistence and tolerance.

Authors Spotlight Series

SPL's "Authors Spotlight" series will feature a panel discussion on 12th July. Acclaimed Iraqi novelist Ali Bader will be in conversation with Dr. Amina Al Hashimi. They will explore significant moments in Bader’s literary career, offering insights into his contributions to Arab literature.

Modern Arabic Poetry Exploration

The final event of the "Institutional Collaboration" series is scheduled for 29th July at the House of Wisdom. Titled "Horizons of Writers and Poets – Echoes of Modernity", this literary gathering targets adults and youth aged 14 to 18. It examines contemporary Arabic poetry through panel discussions, interactive workshops, and live poetry readings.

This seminar will feature four poets from different generations who will present diverse perspectives on modern Arabic verse. Their participation promises a dynamic portrayal of how Arabic poetry has evolved over time.

SPL's centennial celebrations aim to foster a deeper appreciation for literature and culture among participants. By collaborating with various institutions, SPL seeks to create enriching experiences that highlight the importance of knowledge sharing and cultural heritage preservation.

With inputs from WAM