Sharjah to Celebrate 100 Years of Cultural Legacy Through Sharjah Public Libraries Centennial
Sharjah, January 23, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the supervision of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the emirate is set to commemorate a century of cultural and intellectual contributions through the centennial celebration of Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL).
The milestone event, scheduled to take place on January 29 at Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) in the Heart of Sharjah, will reflect on 100 years of cultural achievements. Established in 1925 during the reign of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, SPL began as the UAE’s first public library housed in Sharjah Fort. Renamed SPL in 2011 and relocated to Cultural Palace Square, the library has since played a pivotal role in the emirate’s cultural renaissance.
A Year-Long Celebration of Knowledge and Heritage
To mark the centennial, SPL has curated a diverse, year-long agenda for 2025 in collaboration with over 13 government entities. The activities will focus on four central themes: Literary Beginnings, Cultural Civilisation, Horizons of Literature and Poetry, and Cultural Sustainability. These events aim to honor SPL’s rich history, highlight its current contributions, and inspire future generations through knowledge and cultural empowerment.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi emphasized the significance of SPL’s centennial in Sharjah’s cultural journey. “Libraries have been, and will always remain, the anchors of Sharjah’s cultural legacy—guiding its present and illuminating the path to a prosperous future,” she said. She credited His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi for instilling the belief that books and knowledge are the foundation of thriving nations, shaping Sharjah’s vision as a cultural and intellectual hub.
A Testament to Sharjah’s Cultural Vision
The story of SPL mirrors the emirate’s evolution as a center for knowledge and culture. From its inception as Al Qasimia Library in Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s palace to its current state-of-the-art headquarters, the library has witnessed significant milestones. Over the decades, it has relocated to various iconic sites, including Africa Hall and the Sharjah Cultural Centre, before settling in its current home in 2011.
The centennial celebration pays tribute to the vision of Sharjah’s forefathers who laid the groundwork for a knowledge-driven society. By preserving its cultural heritage and embracing innovation, SPL continues to serve as a cornerstone of Sharjah’s developmental aspirations and cultural influence on the global stage.
The events of 2025 promise to honor this remarkable legacy while reaffirming Sharjah’s commitment to championing libraries as pillars of knowledge and cultural progress for generations to come.