Libraries as Keepers of Civilisation: Sharjah Public Libraries Illuminates Knowledge at SIBF

At the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Public Libraries unfolds a rich cultural programme exploring how libraries have preserved humanity's collective memory and shaped the course of civilisations across centuries.

The transformation of a library from repository into a living space of discovery forms the heart of a cultural initiative unfolding at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair this November. Sharjah Public Libraries, through its programme titled “Library of Civilisation”, invites visitors to trace the profound arc of how knowledge has been collected, preserved and transmitted across generations.

The programme, structured around three interconnected themes, presents seven events that weave together scholarly discussion, historical exploration and intimate conversations with writers and researchers. “Book in Focus” brings authors into dialogue with visitors, examining pivotal moments in Islamic and Andalusian history. Sheikha Al Mutairi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Writers Union, will reflect on her work *Days of Books*, drawing from her years spent among library shelves, whilst Emirati author Ahmed Rashid bin Fahad explores the fall of Granada and its human consequences through *Granada After the Fall: The Story of an Undefeated People*. In parallel, Mashhad Al Allaf, Professor of Philosophy of Science, Ethics and Logic at the University of Sharjah, will illuminate how Arab civilisation transmitted scientific knowledge and terminology into Latin languages.

The “Behind the Scenes” pillar reveals the often invisible labour that precedes publication: the sourcing, examination and transformation of ideas into finished works. Hamad Al Jabri draws on his experiences in Latin America to discuss travel writing, whilst Sami Al Naqbi, professor at the University of Al Dhaid, shares his meticulous research into rare Islamic references. Emirati writer and researcher Fahad Ali Al Mamari will discuss his personal library of approximately 12,000 volumes and the art of seeking out rare and significant texts.

Eman Bushulaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries, articulates a vision of libraries as spaces where dialogue flourishes and knowledge is deepened. She emphasises that libraries bear witness to human intellectual development and to the scholars, writers and researchers who have devoted themselves to collecting and documenting. By introducing younger generations to this heritage, as evidenced through “The Big Book Club” programme in collaboration with Khorfakkan Youth Centre, libraries become gateways to understanding how knowledge is produced, verified and preserved for future generations.

The fair, held under the theme “Made of Stories”, creates an ideal setting for this exploration. As we reported in November, the 45th edition brings together institutions and thinkers committed to advancing intellectual discourse across the region. This programme reflects the broader commitment evident in Sharjah Public Libraries’ comprehensive October activities, which continue to demonstrate how public institutions can cultivate engagement with literature and learning.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The initiative underscores the significance that the Emirates places on libraries as custodians of civilisation and knowledge. Through structured programming that engages both scholars and readers, Sharjah Public Libraries reinforces the broader regional commitment to preserving heritage while making that heritage accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences. This approach to intellectual life strengthens the cultural fabric across the emirates.

For readers and knowledge seekers throughout Abu Dhabi and across the region, the programme exemplifies how public institutions can transform libraries from quiet repositories into vibrant spaces of discovery and dialogue. By honouring the work of writers, researchers and collectors, and by inviting young people into this lineage of learning, such initiatives inspire a deeper engagement with books, history and the transmission of knowledge itself.

Source: WAM