Eman Bushulaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Library Gulf Today, Staff Reporter The Sharjah Public Library (SPL), an affiliate of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has launched the ‘Smart Knowledge Library’, a new digital platform that will deliver a wide range of professional development and training courses for free via its website. The new system is part of the integrated smart services launched by SPL to create a dynamic learning platform that will encourage knowledge seekers and students who wish to improve their expertise or learn new skills. The virtual platform’s offerings include courses in psychology of selling, youth leadership skills, teambuilding and motivation, learning patterns, cybersecurity, as well as restoration of old books and manuscripts, among many other subjects. Participants will take an evaluation examination conducted by accredited mentors at the end of the course and receive a certificate of completion from SPL. Commenting on the new e-library, Eman Bushulaibi, Director of SPL said: “Sharjah Public Library has always been at the forefront of launching initiatives and programmes that create learning and training opportunities for everybody. Our new virtual platform aims to be a one-stop source of knowledge that offers various courses for students, employees and all community members wishing to acquire new professional or personal skills.” “We believe that libraries are not only a place to read or borrow books, but also a welcoming social space that offers continuous opportunities for gaining knowledge and encourages interactive learning using the latest digital technologies. The ‘Smart Knowledge Library’ is a step forward towards promoting SPL’s vision to contribute to building a knowledge society by facilitating access to all community members to various training courses offered by experienced professionals,” she added. Those interested may register for one or more courses via the following link: Earlier this year, following a directive by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Dhs 2.5 million has been allocated for the purchase of new titles from both Arab and foreign publishers participating in the 12th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF). This annual tribute is in line with His Highness’s leading efforts to enrich the emirate’s public libraries with high-quality and latest books and other knowledge resources for children and youth in the UAE. As thriving cultural centres, Sharjah’s public libraries are a hub for academics, researchers, artists and students from around the world.