A discussion panel addressed key challenges that authors face in their professional career, as well as potential solutions which enable them to overcome the hurdles in the way up to creative literary projects, yesterday (Saturday) in the closing day of the 37th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).

 

Organized by the ‘Human Library’, one of Sharjah Public Libraries (SPLs) initiatives, and held at the ‘Writer’s Forum’, the panel comprised Ibrahim Khadim, Media Content Director at National Media Council (NMC), and authors Mariam Al Hammadi, Farah al Mehairi, Hamsa Younis, Omar Al Ameri and Mariam Al Ali, who engaged in a lively discussion and shared their experience with the audience.

 

Sara Al Marzouqi, Director of SPLs, said: “Our participation in the largest literary event in the emirate is part of our strategic role to promote a culture of reading, which aligns with Sharjah’s cultural movement. During SIBF, we held discussions tackling issues that face authors and hinder them from completing their work. We discussed ways to overcome these obstacles and empower authors to unleash their creativity and complete their work.”

 

The “Human Library” event is one of SPL’s initiatives that brings together experts willing to share their success stories and expertise with people aspiring to achieve their goals and dreams. The event represents a valuable opportunity for individuals to get motivated and inspired to take a step forward on their personal journey through this community-based interaction as an addition to traditional reading.

 

The Sharjah Public Library was established as a private library in 1925 by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, under the name ‘Al Qasimiyah Library’. Its location has since changed several times, from Al Hisn Square under the Mudeef Building to Sharjah City Municipality, then to Africa Hall, to Sharjah Cultural Centre and Sharjah University City.

 

In May 2011, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the new building of the library at the Cultural Palace Square, under the title ‘Sharjah Public Library’. The new facility contains more than half a million books in multiple languages across numerous fields, including science, humanities, art and literature, with branches in Kalba, Wadi Al Helou, Dibba Al Hisn, Khorfakkan and Al Dhaid.