Source : WAM
Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) concluded its year-long centennial celebrations with a children’s puppet theatre performance at the Heart of Sharjah and a series of creative workshops at Kshisha Park in Al Rahmaniyah.
Organised under the theme “The Aesthetics of Literary Image and Sound,” the closing activities aimed to encourage reading and underscore the vital role libraries play in fostering a knowledge-based society.
At the Heart of Sharjah, SPL presented a puppet show for children aged six to 13 in collaboration with Rubu’ Qarn for Theatre and Performing Arts. The performance showcased the evolution of Sharjah Public Libraries, highlighting its journey from early printed books to modern digital services, while inspiring young audiences to appreciate cultural heritage and its importance in shaping identity. A puppet-making workshop was also held, introducing participants to basic design and production skills.
Meanwhile, at Kshisha Park, SPL organised two workshops that connected literature with visual creativity. In partnership with Shurooq, a photography workshop guided children on how to transform stories and poems into visual imagery. Another session, conducted with FUNN, focused on creating visual artworks inspired by literary texts using natural materials such as stones and miniature objects provided by Kshisha Parks.
The centennial programme spanned a full year and was structured around four main themes. “Literary Beginnings” featured panel discussions, a reading promotion campaign, creative writing workshops, cultural tours in the Eastern Region and poetry events. “Cultural Civilisation” included heritage dialogues, traditional clothing workshops, children’s competitions, book restoration sessions and museum visits exploring the history of writing.
The third theme, “Horizons of Writers and Poets,” offered intellectual lectures, workshops on Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation, along with poetry and literary gatherings. The final theme, “Cultural Sustainability,” celebrated Emirati heritage through activities centred on palm trees, papermaking and innovative literary and artistic creation.
