Sharjah Public Libraries Championing Mental Well-being Through Community Programmes
As the world observes World Mental Health Day, Sharjah Public Libraries unveils four years of thoughtfully designed initiatives that nurture emotional resilience and psychological well-being through accessible, community-centred activities.
Sharjah Public Libraries has cultivated a distinguished collection of programmes dedicated to supporting mental well-being, positioning libraries as welcoming sanctuaries for holistic community health. From mindfulness workshops and reading-based therapeutic activities to outdoor walking initiatives, the institution has demonstrated remarkable commitment to fostering emotional resilience within accessible, non-clinical environments.
The endeavour responds to a pressing global reality. With more than one billion individuals worldwide living with mental health disorders, and anxiety and depression constituting the most prevalent conditions, the imperative for community-based mental health awareness and support has never been more compelling.
Beginning in 2022, Sharjah Public Libraries initiated its mental well-being journey with meditation sessions and guided exercises addressing anxiety. These foundational offerings evolved into workshops designed to help young people comprehend mental health challenges and articulate their emotions with greater clarity and confidence.
By 2023, the institution had expanded its calendar to align with international awareness days, introducing activities exploring depression and the therapeutic power of reading in recovery, alongside specialised sessions addressing the multifaceted pressures mothers navigate within family life.
The trajectory of growth accelerated through 2025, with the introduction of practical workshops including ‘Meditation and Mindfulness’ and bibliotherapy initiatives that harness the restorative power of literature. These programmes increasingly recognised the profound connection between physical movement and psychological well-being.
This year, Sharjah Public Libraries extended its reach beyond its physical buildings through ventures such as ‘Mountain Steps’, an initiative exploring the psychological benefits of walking and nature engagement. The institution has also introduced ‘Mothers’ Library’, providing educational content tailored specifically to mothers’ multifaceted needs and circumstances.
Eman Bushlaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries, articulates the philosophy underlying these endeavours: knowledge and quality of life remain inextricably intertwined. The programmes extend the libraries’ educational and community mission without presuming to replace specialised mental health services, instead offering practical approaches within open environments that render learning accessible to all community members.
These initiatives exemplify how cultural institutions can meaningfully contribute to community well-being by providing accessible entry points for mental health awareness, practical coping strategies, and supportive spaces where individuals of all ages can cultivate emotional resilience and self-understanding.
Source: WAM