Sharjah Public Libraries recently concluded a year-long celebration marking its 100th anniversary, reinforcing its commitment to literacy and community engagement across the emirate.The milestone was commemorated with a diverse series of events, including interactive workshops and performances geared toward fostering a love of reading in residents of all ages. The libary system’s centennial program spotlighted the evolution of its resources, from traditional collections to modern digital offerings, and its enduring role in preserving Emirati culture.
The Sharjah Public Libraries recently concluded its year-long centennial celebration with a theatrical puppet show in Al Sharqah’s “Heart of Sharjah” district and art workshops held at Al Kheshish Park in the Al Rahmaniya area. The events aimed to reinforce a culture of reading and support the development of a society centered on knowledge.
A Journey Through Time with Sharjah Libraries
The library’s event in “Heart of Sharjah” featured an interactive puppet show for children ages 6 to 13, presented in collaboration with “A Quarter Century of Theatre and Performing Arts.” The puppeteer, acting as a storyteller, guided the children on a journey through the evolution of Sharjah Libraries, from traditional books to modern digital resources.
Children actively participated in the show through dialogue and live performances, learning about the importance of preserving cultural heritage in strengthening national identity and promoting awareness. Following the performance, children participated in a hands-on puppet-making workshop, exploring the art of design and construction from initial sketches to movement, fostering creativity and connecting them with tradition through engaging activities.
Exploring the Aesthetics of Literature and Image
At Al Kheshish Park, Sharjah Public Libraries hosted two interactive workshops. The first, in partnership with Kalimat Publishing Group, focused on the fundamentals of creative photography, teaching children how to interpret texts and translate ideas into visual representations. Participants were given selected stories appropriate for their age groups, and then used professional cameras to capture images inspired by the narratives, utilizing the park’s natural landscapes.
The second workshop, conducted with Fann, offered a practical experience in transforming text into visual forms. Children read stories, analyzed their core elements, and then used natural materials found in the park – such as stones – to create artistic expressions that visually represented the stories they had read. This exercise aimed to enhance their comprehension, imagination, and ability to creatively reinterpret literary texts.
A Comprehensive Program Reflecting the Libraries’ Value
Throughout the year, Sharjah Public Libraries implemented a series of events organized around four main themes. The first, “Literary Beginnings,” included a lecture, a reading promotion campaign, and an interactive creative writing workshop, as well as a cultural tour of libraries in the Eastern Region, poetry readings, and a discussion panel.
The second theme, “Cultural Civilization,” featured “Tales from the Heritage” with a discussion workshop, interactive sessions on traditional costumes, and children’s competitions. Other events included a lecture on home libraries and a “Book Clinic” workshop, alongside an experience related to the history of ancient writing within a museum tour and practical applications.
The third theme, “Horizons of Writers and Poets,” showcased “The Cultural Message” with a thought-provoking lecture and an art workshop on Arabic calligraphy and Islamic decoration. Literary and poetic events, such as “Songs of the Sea and Poetry” and “From Ink to Poetry,” combined discussions, poetry recitations, and calligraphy workshops.
The libraries concluded their celebrations with the fourth theme, “Cultural Sustainability,” through “Between Story and Craft,” which highlighted the significance of date palms in Emirati culture and offered practical experiences in papermaking and designing reading-related and artistic products. The diverse range of programs underscored the libraries’ commitment to fostering reading as a dynamic community practice that intersects with heritage, arts, and creativity, alongside the puppet show and events at Al Kheshish Park. The centennial celebration demonstrates the library’s ongoing role in supporting cultural enrichment within the community.
