The Sharjah Ruler has allocated Dh 2.5 million to enhance the resources of the Sharjah Public Library, following directives from Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This grant will be specifically utilized to procure the latest titles from various publishers and booksellers participating in the 15th annual Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2024).
Enhancing library resources
In a bid to cultivate a vibrant reading culture and promote education, the Sharjah Ruler has allocated Dh 2.5 million to bolster the resources of the Sharjah Public Library. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has directed this allocation, demonstrating the emirate's dedication to promoting literacy and knowledge acquisition.
The grant is earmarked for procuring the latest titles from participating publishers and booksellers at the 15th annual Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2024). This infusion of funds will significantly enrich the library's collection, providing readers with access to a diverse range of literature.
Fostering Literary Exchange
By engaging with publishers and booksellers at the SCRF, the Sharjah Public Library aims to foster a dynamic literary exchange. The festival serves as a platform for showcasing emerging voices in literature while also celebrating established authors. The infusion of funds facilitates the acquisition of titles that cater to various interests and age groups, ensuring that the library remains a vibrant hub of intellectual activity.
The grant not only benefits readers but also provides vital support to the publishing industry. Publishers and booksellers participating in the SCRF receive commercial backing, enabling them to continue producing high-quality literature. This symbiotic relationship between libraries and the publishing sector underscores the importance of collaboration in sustaining a thriving literary ecosystem.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), lauded the generous grant from the Ruler of Sharjah. She emphasized how this funding serves to empower knowledge seekers in the UAE and beyond, particularly in Sharjah. By investing in the expansion of library resources, the emirate reaffirms its commitment to providing accessible avenues for intellectual growth and exploration.
The grant aligns with the Sharjah Ruler's vision to enhance educational opportunities for students, researchers, and academics. Access to a diverse array of literature fosters critical thinking skills and promotes lifelong learning. Moreover, the infusion of funds into the library underscores Sharjah's dedication to nurturing an educated and informed populace.
Beyond its educational impact, the grant holds profound cultural significance. It reflects Sharjah's belief in literature's transformative power and ability to shape society. By investing in libraries, the emirate seeks to preserve its cultural heritage while also embracing innovation and progress.
Sheikha Bodour emphasized that the grant embodies a profound message regarding the importance of investing in future generations. By instilling a love for reading and learning in young minds, Sharjah lays the foundation for continued growth and development. The library serves as a beacon of knowledge, inspiring curiosity and intellectual exploration among its patrons.
In allocating funds to enrich the resources of the Sharjah Public Library, the Sharjah Ruler demonstrates a firm commitment to advancing literacy, education, and cultural enrichment. This investment not only enhances the library's offerings but also fosters collaboration within the publishing industry and empowers knowledge seekers across the UAE and beyond. As Sharjah continues to invest in its libraries, it paves the way for a brighter, more enlightened future for generations to come.
