What libraries have kids’ sections in Sharjah?

Are you looking for enriching spaces in Sharjah where your children can immerse themselves in the wonderful world of books, fostering a lifelong love for reading and learning? Sharjah, designated as a UNESCO World Book Capital, is home to several outstanding libraries that boast dedicated and vibrant children’s sections, providing inviting environments filled with engaging stories, educational resources, and interactive programs designed specifically for young minds to explore and grow.

The Unparalleled Value of Children’s Library Sections

Children’s library sections are much more than just shelves of books; they are gateways to imagination, knowledge, and critical thinking. They provide a quiet yet stimulating environment where children can discover new worlds, develop literacy skills, and engage with educational content in a self-directed manner. For parents, these spaces offer a safe, free, or low-cost resource for entertainment and learning, fostering a love for reading from an early age and promoting family literacy, which is particularly important in a diverse, multicultural city like Sharjah.

Sharjah Public Libraries: A Network of Knowledge for Kids

The Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) operate a comprehensive network of libraries across the emirate, many of which feature excellent, purpose-built children’s sections. These libraries are central to Sharjah’s vision as a cultural and educational hub.

• Sharjah Public Library (Main Branch): The flagship branch, located in Cultural Square, boasts an extensive children’s section designed to be vibrant and inviting. It offers a vast collection of books across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, picture books, and early readers, catering to children from infancy through their teenage years. The children’s area is often adorned with colorful décor, comfortable seating, and sometimes even small play areas or interactive stations. The library regularly hosts storytelling sessions, book readings, and educational workshops for children, making it a dynamic hub for young learners. These events are specifically curated to make reading fun and interactive, encouraging active participation from the kids, especially during summer breaks like June 2025.
• Al Qassimia Public Library: This branch, like others in the SPL network, is designed to serve its local community, including its youngest members. Its children’s section provides a quiet and well-stocked space for reading and study. It emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere that encourages children to browse, discover new books, and engage in quiet activities. Libraries like Al Qassimia often serve as important community hubs, providing resources and programs that might be more localized.
• Khorfakkan Public Library, Kalba Public Library, and Dibba Al Hisn Public Library: These regional branches of the Sharjah Public Libraries system also feature dedicated children’s sections. They are crucial for providing access to educational resources and encouraging reading habits in communities outside the central city. Each branch strives to create an inviting atmosphere for children, often organizing local reading clubs, craft sessions, and storytelling events tailored to the interests of the children in their specific area. The availability of books in both Arabic and English, alongside other languages, reflects the UAE’s diverse population.

These SPL branches also often facilitate access to digital resources, including e-books and audiobooks, which can be particularly engaging for tech-savvy children. Many libraries also offer computers with educational games and internet access in their children’s zones.

House of Wisdom: A Modern Learning Sanctuary for Young Minds

The House of Wisdom is a revolutionary cultural complex in Sharjah, designed by Foster + Partners and opened in 2020, reimagining the traditional library concept. While it’s a facility for all ages, it features an exceptionally well-designed and interactive children’s section that sets it apart.

The children’s area within the House of Wisdom is a vibrant, multi-functional space. It is stocked with a diverse collection of books for all age groups, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for young adults, encompassing both fiction and non-fiction. Beyond physical books, the space integrates technology seamlessly, offering interactive digital displays, educational tablets, and multimedia installations that make learning engaging and dynamic. There are often comfortable reading nooks, whimsical seating arrangements, and areas dedicated to creative play and exploration. The House of Wisdom frequently hosts innovative workshops, storytelling sessions, and educational programs specifically tailored for children, often focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) concepts, arts, and literature. Its modern design and interactive elements make it incredibly appealing to contemporary children, offering a unique blend of traditional library functions with futuristic learning experiences.

Cultural Foundation: Arts and Literature for the Young

The Cultural Foundation in Sharjah, a key institution under the Sharjah Department of Culture, is known for its extensive library and its dedication to promoting arts and literature. While its main library serves a broader audience, it has a strong focus on cultivating young readers and artists.

The Cultural Foundation’s library often has a dedicated section for children’s books and resources. More importantly, its Children’s Art Centre (part of the Cultural Foundation) often incorporates literary elements into its programs. They host storytelling events, reading circles, and creative writing workshops that encourage children to engage with narratives and express themselves. While not a standalone children’s library, its integration of literature into its artistic and cultural programming makes it a valuable resource for fostering a love for reading and storytelling in children. These programs are often offered monthly and cater to specific age groups, enhancing the overall literary experience for young visitors.

Tips for Making Library Visits Engaging for Kids

• Get a Library Card: Make getting a library card a special event. This sense of ownership can encourage more frequent visits.
• Explore Beyond Books: Encourage children to explore not just the books but also any interactive displays, computers with educational games, or quiet reading nooks.
• Attend Story Time: Many libraries offer free storytelling sessions, which are a fantastic way to engage younger children and introduce them to new books and a love for stories.
• Participate in Workshops: Look for workshops on offer, as these can provide a hands-on learning experience related to reading, creative writing, or other educational topics.
• Let Them Choose: Allow children to choose books that genuinely interest them, even if they’re not what you might pick. This fosters independence and a love for reading.
• Make it a Routine: Regular library visits can establish a positive reading habit.
• Respect Library Rules: Teach children about respecting library quiet zones, handling books gently, and returning materials on time.
• Utilize Digital Resources: Explore the library’s online platforms for e-books, audiobooks, and educational games, extending the library experience beyond its physical walls.

Sharjah’s commitment to nurturing young minds through literature is evident in its exceptional libraries and their dedicated children’s sections. These spaces are not just repositories of books but vibrant centers of learning, creativity, and community for children of all ages. Which fascinating tale will your child uncover during their next library adventure in Sharjah? This comprehensive guide has been meticulously prepared by the www.few.ae team, dedicated to helping you discover what libraries have kids’ sections in Sharjah. Are you seeking inviting havens in Sharjah where your children can immerse themselves in the joy of reading, explore vibrant worlds within pages, and participate in engaging activities designed just for them? Sharjah, a true champion of literacy and knowledge, boasts exceptional libraries that go far beyond mere book collections, offering dedicated, colorful, and interactive children’s sections that make reading an exciting adventure for young minds.

Libraries: More Than Just Books for Kids

Modern children’s library sections are dynamic spaces that understand the unique needs of young readers. They are designed with vibrant aesthetics, comfortable seating, and interactive elements to create an inviting atmosphere. Beyond providing access to a vast array of books, these sections often host storytelling sessions, workshops, and educational activities, transforming the library into a community hub where children can learn, play, and connect with literature in meaningful ways. They are crucial for fostering early literacy, encouraging a lifelong love of reading, and supporting intellectual development, even in June 2025.

Sharjah Children’s Library: A World Tailored for Young Readers

The Sharjah Children’s Library (SCL) is a flagship institution specifically dedicated to children’s literature and learning, making it one of the most prominent child-friendly libraries in the UAE. It’s designed as a lively space that genuinely helps kids to love children’s literature, providing an environment where curiosity is celebrated and imagination takes flight.

SCL boasts a special collection of picture books and bright illustrations, carefully curated to captivate young readers and make every visit an adventure. The library goes beyond just books, offering a variety of interactive sessions that create a warm and engaging setting for children to explore and try new things. These often include:

• Book talks: Engaging discussions about books that encourage critical thinking and sharing.
• Fun storytelling sessions: Professional storytellers bring narratives to life, captivating children with tales from various cultures.
• Workshops: These can range from creative writing and illustration to robotics and coding, blending literacy with STEM education.
• Digital resources: The library also provides access to portable devices with educational games and stories, and even a Virtual Reality (VR) environment where children can interact with 3D computer applications related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and physics. This innovative approach allows children to practice skills that might be dangerous or rare in the real world.

The SCL is a cornerstone for supporting early reading skills and allowing young minds to grow full of ideas, truly setting a standard for children’s libraries in the region.

Sharjah Public Library (Main Branch): A Vibrant Children’s Hall

The Sharjah Public Library (SPL), located at the Cultural Square (often referred to as the Quran Roundabout) in Al Abar, is one of the oldest and most renowned libraries in the emirate. While serving the general public, its main branch features a separate and remarkably appealing children’s section, known as the Child Hall, specifically designed to attract and engage young readers.

The Child Hall is a colorful and inviting space, stocked with a huge variety of titles for anything your child dreams to be – from fairy tales and classic stories to educational books on space and the universe, and even introductions to coding for kids. Books are available in both Arabic and English, catering to the diverse linguistic needs of Sharjah’s residents. The SPL’s commitment to children’s literacy is evident in its provision of portable devices containing stories and visual educational games, allowing children to learn while having fun. They also offer “3D Stereo Stem” devices that provide short, high-definition digital films in science and mathematics in 3D format, immersing children in educational content. The library has even developed databases with audio or electronic content for use both within the library and at home, aiming to develop and improve children’s reading levels. Furthermore, children can use an image search function to find books in the electronic catalog, making book discovery more intuitive and fun. Membership for children is also available at an approximate nominal fee, allowing them to borrow a generous number of books for a set period.

House of Wisdom: A Futuristic Hub for Young Learners

The House of Wisdom, inaugurated in December 2020 near University City, is not just a library but a futuristic cultural hub designed to rethink the concept of a public library. It prominently features a dedicated and highly interactive children’s section called “The Little Reader,” which is an absolute delight for families.

“The Little Reader” is designed with a fun ambiance, equipped for children generally aged 3 to 10. It houses more than 2,000 books in various languages, covering diverse topics from science and fiction to entertainment and art. What makes this section truly special are its innovative features:

• Bunk beds, reading nooks, and bean bags: Providing cozy and comfortable spaces for children to lay and read endlessly.
• Ball pit for toddlers: A dedicated area for the youngest visitors to play and explore.
• “Pepper” the robot: An interactive robot that engages children and adds a touch of modern magic.
• Interactive storybook screen: A large screen that allows children to interact with digital storybooks.
• Tablets with educational games and engaging stories: Offering a blend of digital and physical reading experiences.

The House of Wisdom also regularly hosts workshops for kids, often on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, covering topics in innovation, technology, and sustainability, delivered in both Arabic and English. This library is a testament to Sharjah’s vision of integrating traditional reading with cutting-edge technology to create an enriching environment for children.

Other Community Libraries and Branches

Beyond these major hubs, various smaller community libraries across Sharjah might also feature dedicated children’s sections, albeit on a smaller scale. These local branches often provide convenient access to children’s books and can be excellent resources for neighborhood families. It is advisable to check with your nearest community library branch for their specific offerings and programs for children. While not as large as the main Sharjah Public Library, these branches often serve as vital local points for promoting literacy.

Tips for a Rewarding Library Visit with Kids

• Become a Member: Consider getting a library membership. For a nominal approximate fee (e.g., around AED 50 for children at SPL), it allows your child to borrow books and access digital resources, fostering a sense of ownership and encouraging regular visits.
• Explore Beyond Books: Encourage your child to explore the interactive exhibits, digital stations, and participate in any workshops or storytelling sessions.
• Dress Comfortably: Ensure children are dressed comfortably, as they might be sitting on the floor, in bean bags, or engaging in active play.
• Respect Library Etiquette: Gently teach children about quiet voices, returning books to designated areas, and respecting the library space.
• Check Event Schedules: Libraries frequently host special events, storytelling hours, and holiday programs. Check their websites or social media for up-to-date schedules, especially during vacation periods like the current June 2025 summer break.
• Utilize Staff: Don’t hesitate to ask librarians for recommendations or assistance in finding books suitable for your child’s age and interests. They are a wealth of knowledge!
• Make it a Habit: Regular visits to the library can instill a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Sharjah offers an impressive network of libraries with fantastic children’s sections, ensuring that every child has access to a world of stories, knowledge, and creative exploration. From the cutting-edge House of Wisdom to the dedicated Sharjah Children’s Library and the comprehensive Child Hall at the Sharjah Public Library, the emirate is a paradise for young bibliophiles. Which literary adventure will your children embark on next? This comprehensive guide has been meticulously prepared by the www.few.ae team, dedicated to helping you discover what libraries have kids’ sections in Sharjah.