Sharjah Public Libraries: A century of community, knowledge, and innovation beyond books

At the Sharjah International Book Fair, the UAE’s oldest library is serving as an extension of the emirate’s deep-seated appreciation and support for literature 

Sharjah, November 17, 2024

Sharjah Public Library (SPL) has evolved into far more than just places to borrow books. They serve as pillars of community, cultural hubs, and spaces that reflect the emirate’s commitment to knowledge and accessibility for all. With six branches across Sharjah, the library network is purposefully positioned to serve a broad swath of communities, from the central cultural square to the coastal town of Kalba, and even into remote mountain villages like Wadi Al Hilo.

“Our libraries cover most of Sharjah and they serve the surrounding areas, even connecting to the northern Emirates,” noted Eman Majid Bushulaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries, at the institution’s booth at the ongoing 43rd Sharjah International Book Festival (SIBF).

A century of appreciation for literature and community building

Since its foundation in 1925, Sharjah Public Library has woven itself  into the fabric of the city. A hallmark is its inclusivity and accessibility, the libraries are pioneers in the UAE, being among the first to provide tailored services for visually impaired individuals. “We have a specialised hall for the visually impaired, a Braille printer, and audio-visual resources. A lot of these books have been catalogued by an individual who is now the president of the Emirati Association for the Visually Impaired,” noted Bushulaibi.

In addition to supporting accessibility, SPL offers a robust programme of community engagement through events, collections, and services. “The community is very tied together,” said Bushulaibi, highlighting how families and neighbours gather for library events, especially in close-knit areas like Wadi Al Hilo and Kalba.

A journey of constant evolution

On the recent announcement of a Dh4.5-million grant by the government to stock libraries in the emirates, Bushulaibi said, “We get a good portion of the grant each year and work towards developing the collection by three to five percent. Even with just the minimum, that means 6,000 new copies. This grant allows us to introduce fresh materials that keep the library’s resources up-to-date and aligned with the interests and needs of our readers. Whatever we get, we catalogue, shelve, and make it available immediately.”

While print remains popular among patrons, SPL boasts a growing digital collection of more than six million items, ensuring broad access to knowledge in a digital age. As the library leadership points out, “Our digital collection is actually larger than our printed collection.” This blend of digital and physical resources speaks to the library’s emphasis on sustainability and meeting modern demands without sacrificing traditional formats.

Innovation is another cornerstone of the Sharjah library system. Technology is becoming a key tool in reducing processing times and increasing efficiency. “The changes happen as we speak,” Bushlabi added. To that end, the staff are regularly trained on emerging technologies, ensuring that they remain knowledgeable and proactive in serving a digitally savvy public.

SPL prides itself on offering multilingual, multicultural spaces that serve patrons from diverse backgrounds. With books in over 50 languages and patrons from more than 70 nationalities, the library caters to a range of linguistic and cultural needs. “This year, we focused on acquiring books that explore UAE culture, Gulf studies, and the Arabic language,” Bushulaibi explained, reinforcing a commitment to promoting local heritage while serving an international audience.

At SIBF 2024, the public library’s booth is reminding visitors to visit them and experience the place where community spirit and cultural identity come alive.

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