His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has inaugurated the Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) centennial celebration under the theme ‘100 Years of Stories’.
At the event, His Highness proceeded to Sharjah Fort, where he unveiled the commemorative plaque for the Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Library Centennial, marking the beginning of a year-long celebration. His Highness also inaugurated the Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Library on the ground floor of Sharjah Fort.
During the fort tour, His Highness explored exhibits showcasing Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s personal belongings, official attire, and a collection of his photographs. The exhibits also feature historical artefacts documenting the fort’s role in Sharjah’s history. Additionally, His Highness attended the screening of a 1937 British Imperial Airways documentary chronicling the historic landing of the Hanno aircraft at Sharjah Airport on October 5, 1932.
AUS performance
His Highness also attended a theatrical performance by the American University of Sharjah students titled “The Pawned Dagger,” adapted from a chapter in his novel of the same name. The performance reflects key moments from his youth and narrates His Highness’s early love for books, which began in his uncle’s library, Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi. His growing passion for reading eventually led him to pawn his golden dagger to buy books and build his library.
The SPL centennial celebration is organised in collaboration with Mubadara, Sharjah Heritage Institute, Sharjah Museums Authority, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, Sharjah Private Education Authority, and Sharjah Police General Directorate.
To commemorate this historic milestone, SPL has unveiled a year-long programme for 2025 in collaboration with over 13 entities that reflects its rich history, vital societal role, and forward-looking vision.
The programme includes symposiums, exhibitions, “Authors Under the Spotlight” sessions, and workshops catering to all community members across four key themes: Literary Beginnings, highlighting the foundations of Sharjah’s cultural renaissance; Cultural Civilisation, hosting workshops related to public libraries; and Cultural Civilisation, hosting workshops about public libraries.
Meanwhile, the Horizons of Literature and Poetry theme honours the legacy of early literary pioneers, and Cultural Sustainability showcases Sharjah’s enduring cultural values.
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