In celebration of the centennial of Sharjah Public Library, established in 1925, Sharjah Museums Authority organized a panel discussion titled “Sharjah Library at the Heart of the Fort” on 5 February.
The session explored the close connection between Sharjah Public Library and Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), highlighting their shared cultural and historical legacy, which reflects the emirate’s rich heritage and identity.
The panel discussion was moderated by Amna Khairallah Al Askar, Curator of Sharjah Fort, and featured prominent speakers from the fields of heritage and culture, including Ali Mohammed Ali Rashid Al Matroushi, a heritage and local history consultant at Ajman Department of Tourism Development, who discussed the significance of historical documentation in preserving cultural identity.
Dr. Minni Abu Naama, Director of Content and Publishing at Sharjah Institute for Heritage, highlighted the relationship between documentary and architectural heritage during the session, while Dr. Saif Mohammed Bin Aboud Al Bedwawi, a historian and lecturer specializing in the history of the Arabian Gulf at the University of Sharjah, addressed the role of the fort and the library in documenting the emirate’s history and connecting the past with the present.
The session covered several key topics, including the history of Sharjah Public Library, its role in advancing education, literacy, and reading culture, and the evolution of Sharjah Fort since 1823 as a central political and cultural beacon. Discussions also delved into the role of digital libraries in expanding access to knowledge, the importance of technology in preserving documentary and architectural heritage.
In addition to the discussions, a range of interactive activities was held alongside the session to engage attendees and foster a love for knowledge. These included workshops for both adults and children, cultural competitions, a dedicated photography corner, and the “Unlock the Cultural Treasure” activity, which offered attendees a fun and innovative way to discover new information. A special display also featured inspiring quotes from Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), highlighting the values of culture and creativity.
The Authority, through the organization of such events and discussions, continuously invites heritage and culture enthusiasts to participate, aiming to instill national pride, connect younger generations with the emirate’s history, and promote knowledge and community-based learning.
Sharjah Public Library traces its origins back to 1925 when Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah at the time, established it as Al Qasimi Library within the walls of Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn). After his passing, the library was placed under the care of Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi in 1951 and continued operating from the fort until 1956, when it was moved to the Al-Mudhaif building in the fort’s courtyard, serving both as a library and an administrative office. Its expansion gained momentum under Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and later, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, took its development to new heights, reinforcing its cultural significance.
By 1980, the library had relocated to the upper level of Africa Hall, adopting the name Sharjah Library. In 1987, it found a new home at the Sharjah Cultural Centre before being moved once again in 1998 to University City. A defining milestone came in 2011 when its state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated at the Cultural Square, marking a new era in its evolution.
Today, Sharjah Public Library extends its reach through branches in Kalba, Dibba Al-Hisn, Khor Fakkan, Al Dhaid, and Wadi Al Helo. Equipped with modern technologies and an extensive range of services, it caters to diverse segments of the community. More than just a repository of books, the library has been instrumental in nurturing a culture of reading and intellectual growth, cementing its place as a cornerstone of Sharjah’s cultural and educational progress.
As part of the celebrations, Sharjah Libraries has curated a year-long programme featuring diverse events and activities in collaboration with over 13 government entities. The programme includes seminars, interactive exhibitions, “Writers in the Spotlight” sessions, and workshops catering to all community members and structured around a number of key themes including Literary Beginnings, which sheds light on the foundation of Sharjah’s cultural renaissance, and Cultural Civilization, which encompasses a range of knowledge-sharing and cultural workshops related to public libraries.