Sharjah, a city globally recognized for its unwavering commitment to knowledge, education, and cultural enrichment, is marking a historic milestone—100 years of public libraries. To commemorate this centennial, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL), under the Sharjah Book Authority, is launching a rich and diverse cultural programme that will unfold between May and July 2025. This visionary initiative celebrates the emirate’s legacy of learning while bridging the past and present through inclusive, engaging, and intellectually stimulating events.
The upcoming programme is designed not only as a tribute to Sharjah’s literary journey but also as a platform to connect with the future—by nurturing curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and inspiring creativity among readers, writers, scholars, and families alike. With a meticulously curated agenda involving partnerships with leading cultural institutions, the events reflect Sharjah’s holistic view of literature, history, science, and art as interconnected pillars of a vibrant society.
Centennial Theme: Knowledge for Generations
The overarching theme for the centennial celebrations—”Knowledge for Generations”—aptly mirrors Sharjah’s role as a beacon of enlightenment in the Arab world. The aim is to make knowledge accessible, relevant, and alive for all ages through cultural dialogue, immersive workshops, and literary forums.
From revisiting ancient manuscripts to examining contemporary Arabic poetry, and from book restoration sessions to hands-on calligraphy workshops, the cultural programme reflects the depth and diversity of Sharjah’s vision. Importantly, the events are inclusive, welcoming families, students, scholars, and the general public to participate and benefit from this rich tapestry of cultural offerings.
Institutional Collaboration: Bridging Past and Present
The programme begins with the “Institutional Collaboration” series, a testament to Sharjah’s collaborative ethos. On May 29, the Sharjah Archaeology Museum will host “Reviving Forgotten Pages,” a special event organized in partnership with the Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage and the Sharjah Museums Authority.
The highlight of the event will be a panel discussion titled “The Home Library: Promoting Reading and Organizing Books.” Distinguished cultural figures and scholars will explore the historical and personal value of home libraries. Topics will include the evolution of domestic libraries in the Arab world, their influence on young minds, and the essential role they play in preserving family legacies and nurturing intellectual curiosity.
Complementing the discussion is an interactive “Book Clinic” workshop, offering practical training in cleaning, repairing, and rebinding aged or damaged books. Experts will guide participants through preservation techniques that are both traditional and modern, emphasizing the value of conserving personal literary treasures.
To cap off the event, attendees will be invited to participate in a cultural tour of the museum. This includes a live demonstration of ancient writing on clay tablets using the South Arabian Musnad script, providing a rare glimpse into the literary traditions of pre-Islamic Arabia.
Literary Focus: Spotlight on Arab Authors
Sharjah Public Libraries’ commitment to celebrating the living literary tradition continues with the “Authors Spotlight”series. On July 12, celebrated Iraqi novelist and intellectual Ali Bader will be the central figure in a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Amina Al Hashimi. The session will offer attendees a chance to explore Bader’s diverse body of work, known for its political insight, historical depth, and poetic style.
Bader’s literary journey reflects the larger story of Arab intellectualism navigating through war, exile, memory, and identity. His presence in Sharjah underscores the city’s role as a cultural haven that embraces voices from across the Arab world. For aspiring writers and avid readers, this event will provide inspiration and critical perspectives on writing as a tool for social commentary and artistic exploration.
Islamic Civilisation and the Scientific Legacy
On July 30, the focus shifts to the intellectual achievements of the Islamic Golden Age. The event, titled “The Cultural Message,” will take place at the Holy Quran Academy in collaboration with Al Qasimia University. This programme aims to reconnect modern audiences with the foundational knowledge contributed by Muslim scholars to fields as varied as astronomy, medicine, philosophy, and mathematics.
Lectures and visual presentations will walk participants through the era’s most impactful discoveries, showing how Islamic civilisation not only preserved ancient knowledge but also expanded it—laying the groundwork for the Renaissance and modern scientific inquiry.
In addition to academic talks, attendees will have the opportunity to explore Islamic art through a hands-on workshop in Arabic calligraphy and ornamentation. Led by master artists, this workshop offers both aesthetic delight and historical insight, allowing participants to physically engage with the art forms that carried meaning, beauty, and communication throughout the Islamic world.
Poetry and Youth Engagement: Horizons of Modern Verse
To bring the centennial programme to a stirring close, SPL will host “Horizons of Writers and Poets – Echoes of Modernity” on July 29 at the House of Wisdom. Aimed at both adults and youth aged 14–18, this unique event will explore the trajectory of contemporary Arabic poetry through multiple lenses—traditional performance, literary critique, and live recitations.
Four renowned poets from different generations will share the stage, each bringing a unique voice and narrative style. Their works will touch on themes ranging from exile and memory to love, identity, and revolution. The event will feature a poetry slam-style session, interactive Q&A segments, and writing workshops designed to mentor young talents and ignite a passion for verse.
Through this event, SPL seeks to show that poetry is not a relic of the past, but a vibrant, evolving form of expression that remains deeply relevant today. The inclusion of younger participants ensures that this dialogue continues into the future, carried forward by new voices with fresh perspectives.
Sharjah’s Vision for the Future of Culture
Beyond marking a centennial, Sharjah Public Libraries’ cultural programme serves as a blueprint for future community engagement in literature and knowledge. Each event is rooted in the belief that public libraries are more than repositories of books—they are dynamic community spaces that foster dialogue, creativity, and lifelong learning.
By integrating heritage with innovation, and literature with lived experience, SPL is redefining what it means to be a library in the 21st century. With a growing population that is increasingly digital, multicultural, and mobile, SPL’s efforts to stay relevant while honoring tradition are both timely and visionary.
Through partnerships with cultural institutions, universities, and artists, the libraries have positioned themselves as essential civic hubs. They not only serve Sharjah’s residents but also set an example for cities across the region aiming to balance modernity with cultural identity.
A Cultural Celebration That Lives On
As the curtains rise on Sharjah Public Libraries’ centennial programme, what emerges is not just a celebration of the past, but a statement of intent for the future. The carefully crafted events underscore a profound belief in the power of knowledge to build stronger communities, more open minds, and a more connected society.
In a time when global discourse often teeters on division and distraction, Sharjah’s emphasis on libraries as spaces of unity, wisdom, and exploration serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of culture. As participants engage with forgotten manuscripts, hear from brilliant minds, and create their own works of art and literature, the message is clear: knowledge is not static—it’s a living force that must be nurtured, celebrated, and passed on.
With this centennial initiative, Sharjah Public Libraries once again prove that they are not merely keepers of the past, but architects of the future.
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