The Big Heart Foundation Seeks 10,000 Books at Sharjah International Book Fair

A community book drive invites fair visitors to donate new and pre-loved titles, extending the life of beloved stories whilst supporting children and communities across the foundation's global programmes

Within the sprawling exhibition halls of Expo Centre Sharjah, where stories from across the globe converge, The Big Heart Foundation has created a quiet corner devoted to a simple yet profound gesture: the passing of books from one reader to another. During the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, which continues until 15th November, the foundation and the UAE Board on Books for Young People are inviting families, children, school students and book lovers to participate in a community book drive aiming to collect more than 10,000 volumes.

The initiative recognises a truth that every reader understands: a book’s journey need not end when its first reader closes its covers. Picture books, novels, biographies and works across all genres in good condition are welcomed at TBHF’s stand, excluding religious texts. Each donation represents an opportunity to extend a story’s reach, to introduce a cherished narrative to new readers who might not otherwise encounter it, and to foster genuine connections between communities through the shared language of literature.

Ameera Bin Ofai, Strategy Officer at TBHF, articulated the foundation’s vision: “A book does not lose its value when its first reader turns the final page. It can continue to inspire, educate and open new possibilities for someone else. Through this initiative, we want children and families to experience the value of giving firsthand and recognise that even the simplest acts of generosity can create meaningful opportunities for others.”

The book drive forms part of TBHF’s Educate the Heart school competition, which engages students in humanitarian activities that cultivate empathy and social responsibility. By encouraging young people to donate, the initiative instils values of giving and solidarity in younger generations, demonstrating that meaningful change often begins with small, deliberate acts of kindness.

Books collected through the drive will support TBHF’s humanitarian and education programmes. Initial distribution is planned for the new Education Centre facility in Sharjah and a school in Egypt supported by the foundation through the Educate the Heart competition, with additional donations intended for foundation-supported projects across different countries. Beneficiaries will include community centres, children’s hospitals and shared community spaces, creating environments that encourage reading beyond the classroom and expanding access to knowledge for underserved populations.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The Big Heart Foundation’s book drive reflects a broader commitment within the Emirates to nurture literacy and learning across communities. As we reported recently, the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair brings together 3,212 exhibitors from 126 countries presenting 1.7 million titles, positioning the region as a vital hub for global storytelling and cultural exchange. The foundation’s initiative amplifies this cultural momentum by democratising access to books and ensuring that literature reaches those who might otherwise lack these resources.

Through programmes like this, the UAE continues to demonstrate its dedication to education and humanitarian values, particularly in supporting young people’s development. SIARA’s tenth edition recognised 736 nominations from 57 countries for transformative humanitarian support, reflecting the region’s leadership in charitable endeavours. The book drive exemplifies how community participation and giving create ripple effects that extend far beyond borders, strengthening the connection between knowledge, compassion and opportunity.

Source: WAM (Emirates News Agency)