Sharjah Ruler Allocates AED 2.5 Million To Boost Library Resources

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has recently announced a significant contribution to the literary world with an allocation of AED2.5 million. This fund is designated for the acquisition of the newest titles from publishers and booksellers at the 15th annual Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2024), aiming to enhance the collection of the Sharjah Public Library. This initiative is part of a broader vision to support the book industry both regionally and globally, while also enriching the resources available to readers, students, researchers, academics, and general knowledge seekers in the UAE and beyond.

The annual grant underscores Sharjah's commitment to fostering a culture of reading and learning, particularly among younger generations. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), highlighted the dual benefit of this grant. It not only provides commercial support to publishers but also serves an educational purpose for knowledge seekers in the UAE and Sharjah. She emphasized that this initiative reflects Sharjah’s dedication to realizing its developmental and cultural aspirations through the promotion of books, knowledge, and learning.

Sheikha Bodour further elaborated on the importance of making learning resources readily accessible to everyone, especially children. This approach aligns with Sharjah's developmental vision and is instrumental in building bridges across cultures and civilizations. The positive impact of such initiatives is evident in Sharjah’s developmental projects, informed community, cultural richness, enduring values, and the ongoing effort to engage everyone in creating a dynamic present and a hopeful future.

The grant aims to further enrich both public and private libraries across Sharjah in various scientific, literary fields, and languages. By annually introducing thousands of new titles into the libraries’ databases, Sharjah strengthens its global standing as a city dedicated to building knowledge-based communities. This effort not only promotes research and development but also revitalizes the landscape of authorship.

This strategic move by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi not only highlights Sharjah's role in supporting the global book industry but also reinforces its position as a leading city in cultural and educational development. Through such initiatives, Sharjah continues to make significant contributions towards creating a more informed and interconnected world.

With inputs from WAM