Sharjah celebrates the centenary of its public libraries with a full year of cultural events
Sharjah, January 22 / WAM / Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the follow-up of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Book Authority, and in celebration of one hundred years of cultural and knowledge giving, Sharjah is preparing to launch the centenary celebration of its libraries. The public event, organized by Sharjah Libraries, next Wednesday evening, January 29, at Hisn Sharjah, located in the heart of Sharjah, continues with a busy program that extends over the course of… A whole year.
The celebration of the centenary of “Sharjah Libraries” comes to highlight its ancient heritage and its pivotal role in the cultural and civilizational project of the Emirate of Sharjah. Since its establishment in 1925 by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, in Hisn Sharjah under the name “Al Qasimia Library,” until its move to its modern building in the field of culture in 2011, public libraries formed the nucleus of the cultural and cognitive renaissance in the emirate.
In confirmation of the library’s position in Sharjah, Sharjah Libraries has prepared a program full of diverse events and activities that will continue throughout the year 2025, with the participation of more than 13 government agencies, distributed over four main axes: “Literary Beginnings,” “Cultural Civilization,” “Horizons of Writers and Poets,” and “Cultural Sustainability.” The program includes seminars and interactive exhibitions, in addition to sessions and workshops targeting all segments of society, with a focus on Highlighting the development of libraries and enhancing their role as centers of knowledge and creativity.
Regarding Sharjah’s celebration of the centenary of its public libraries, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Book Authority, confirmed that this occasion represents a living witness to the solid roots of the cultural and civilizational project of the Emirate of Sharjah, which was launched and continued to develop to become a role model and a milestone for the emirate at the state level. United Arab Emirates, noting that public libraries were and still are a major pillar in the emirate’s cultural journey, as they have played a pivotal role over a full century. In enhancing knowledge and providing scientific resources to all members of society.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: We learned from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, that the future of nations begins with books and knowledge, and that enhancing the role of libraries is the solid base from which societies rise. Based on this vision, the emirate was keen to strengthen the position of libraries. The library remains part of a global civilizational project based on culture and science.
She added that the celebration of the “Centenary of Sharjah Libraries” represents gratitude for the great efforts made by fathers and grandfathers towards consolidating the components of knowledge in the emirate, and highlights the ancient cultural heritage that libraries carry, and at the same time renews the commitment to supporting this sector as it is part of the most important tools for development and advancement. Sharjah focused on it in its past, and it focuses on it in its present and future.
It is noteworthy that the library was founded by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah (1924-1951), in his palace. It was also called the Al Qasimi Library at the time, and it remained in the fort during the rule of Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi until 1956 AD, after which it moved to the building. The new library was established in Al Hosn Square under the name Al Mudheef. The library was then transferred to Sheikh Khalid bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, ruler of Sharjah at the time, and after him to the owner of the library. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, where it was moved in 1980 to the upper floor of the Africa Hall under the name “Sharjah Library”, then it was moved to the Sharjah Cultural Center building in 1987 until 1998 AD, to finally be located in the University City, and in May 2011 His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah inaugurated the new library building in Culture Palace Square, as it is known today as the Sharjah Public Library.
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