Sharjah24: From offers of free library membership and screenings of on-screen adaptations of bestselling novels to exciting round tables, book discussions, and more, the Sharjah Public Library (SPL), an affiliate of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), is offering a programme of over 35 activities across its branches in the emirate in celebration of the UAE’s Reading Month, observed annually in March.

Commenting on the activities held as part of its commitment to promote reading and disseminate knowledge, Eman Bushulaibi, Director of SPL, said: "The UAE Reading Month is a unique opportunity for SPL to accelerate our activities and channel our resources in designing programmes that celebrate books and knowledge to inculcate the habit of reading in every segment of the community."

As SPL prepares to mark its centennial in 2025, the Director of SPL emphasised that the expanded range of activities were designed to fulfil the organisation’s goals of highlighting the relevance and role of libraries as a vital knowledge source, today and in the future.

Free membership for government employees

To encourage the habit of reading, SPL is offering government employees a free yearlong membership during the UAE Reading Month. Interested employees can avail of the offer by registering online. 

‘Enlighten’ initiative
To promote knowledge exchange between employees and expand peer-to-peer learning during office hours, SPL has launched the 'Enlighten' initiative that encourages its employees to recommend and share four articles with any four colleagues from an open database on the SPL website.

Book marketing
On March 7, SPL’s Kalba branch hosted a workshop titled How to market my book, presented by author Mariam Al Farsi, who explored the writing process, common challenges faced by authors and ways of overcoming them, and book marketing strategies. 

Screening and discussion of book adaptations  
SPL is hosting a screening of three great movie adaptations of books and organising book club sessions to discuss the books behind the films during the UAE Reading Month. 

Khaled Hosseini’s critically acclaimed debut novel, The Kite Runner, have screened on March 19, followed by a book discussion on March 20; while American author Kathryn Stocket’s historical fiction novel, The Help, is scheduled for a screening on March 26 and a book club session on March 27. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak screening on March 29, and a book discussion on March 30.

Round tables
Several seminars are being organised throughout March to discuss ways to facilitate access to books for homemakers, senior citizens, and people with reading difficulties to encourage them to discover the joys of reading.

Centennial retreat
To mark its upcoming second centennial, SPL is organising a retreat to discuss a framework of coordinated action to advance the library sector in Sharjah and devise strategies to bolster the role of libraries as an invaluable source of knowledge for youth.

‘Energy Reading’ workshop
Dr. Huda Al Habib, a skills development trainer, will lead a workshop titled, ‘Energy Reading’ in Al Dhaid Library on March 21, to introduce participants to the concept and interpretation of the intuitive form of ‘energy reading’. 

On the same day, young Emirati journalist Mayed Al Mer will headline a session in Wadi Al Helo Library to discuss the importance of books and how they influenced his personality.

World Book Capital
On March 29, in the Khorfakkan branch, Hayat Al Hammadi will discuss World Book Capital, authored by Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association, to educate young readers about the UNESCO World Book Capital programme and the cities that have earned the title since its inception in 2001.

Smart reading
On March 24, Muna Al Naqbi will lead a session titled ‘Smart Reading Skills’ at Dibba Al Hisn Library to discuss the role of digital reading platforms and various ways it enriches the skills of readers.
 
Smart Knowledge Library
On March 25, Engineer Noor Ahmad will offer insights into SPL’s Smart Knowledge Library, a virtual dynamic learning platform launched last year that offers a wide range of free professional development and training courses to encourage knowledge seekers as well as students who wish to improve their expertise or learn new skills.