Sharjah, renowned for its unwavering commitment to knowledge and culture, embraces the role of its libraries as dynamic community hubs, regularly hosting a diverse array of events that cater to all ages and interests, far beyond simply housing books.
House of Wisdom: A Modern Cultural Nexus
The House of Wisdom stands as Sharjah’s most prominent and active library in terms of hosting diverse events, redefining what a modern library can be. Commissioned to celebrate Sharjah’s UNESCO World Book Capital 2019 title, this architectural marvel is not just a place for books but a vibrant social and cultural center. It consistently features a packed calendar of engaging activities, from interactive workshops and seminars to art exhibitions and film screenings. For example, the House of Wisdom recently hosted a “Tell an Accordion Story” workshop on February 22, 2025, which blended traditional and digital art, and their “Enchanted Gardens: Alice in Wonderland Festival” in December 2024 offered a fantasy-inspired children’s book festival with tea parties and games. They also have an ongoing Children’s Book Club that runs in terms, with a new term starting around April 6, 2025. This library’s unique blend of technology, design, and a comprehensive events program makes it a key destination for cultural engagement in Sharjah.
Sharjah Public Libraries: A Network of Community Hubs
The Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) system, with its network of branches across the emirate, plays a crucial role in fostering a love for reading and learning through a wide array of events. Celebrating its centennial, SPL has unveiled a comprehensive cultural program from May to July 2025, featuring seminars, literary discussions, and expert-led activities. They recently hosted a panel discussion titled “The Home Library: Promoting Reading and Organizing Books” in collaboration with the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage and the Sharjah Museums Authority. The “Authors Spotlight” series also features influential literary and intellectual voices from the Arab world, with celebrated Iraqi novelist Ali Bader being a central figure in a panel discussion on July 12, 2025. SPL also organizes events like “Horizons of Writers and Poets – Echoes of Modernity” at the House of Wisdom on July 29, 2025, aimed at both adults and youth, exploring contemporary Arabic poetry through performances, literary critiques, and writing workshops. These events highlight SPL’s commitment to enriching public engagement with knowledge and heritage across all age groups.
Sharjah International Book Fair: Literary Extravaganza at the Expo Centre
While not a library in the traditional sense, the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), held annually at the Sharjah Expo Centre every November (the next one is from November 5th to November 16th, 2025), is an monumental event for any literary enthusiast and features a vast array of events hosted within its sprawling halls. SIBF is one of the largest book fairs globally and effectively transforms the Expo Centre into a temporary, colossal library and cultural event space. It hosts countless author talks, book signings, poetry readings, panel discussions, and workshops for all ages.
For instance, the ALA/SIBF Library Conference is often held concurrently, focusing on library-specific topics. The fair attracts world-renowned authors, poets, and thinkers, offering unparalleled opportunities to engage directly with literary figures. The sheer volume and diversity of events, from children’s storytelling sessions to academic symposia on publishing trends and “Poetry Nights” that blend recitations with music, make SIBF an unmissable cultural highlight in Sharjah’s calendar.
American University of Sharjah Library: Academic and Public Engagement
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) Library, located within University City, plays a significant role in the academic and cultural life of the university community and often extends its events to the wider public. While many events are tailored for students and faculty, the library frequently hosts exhibitions, workshops, and informational sessions that are open to visitors. For example, in June 2025, the AUS Library is hosting the “Misinformation (The Glassroom) Exhibition” in the Foyer, First Floor, exploring how misinformation spreads. They also regularly organize workshops on research skills, digital literacy, and academic writing, which can be beneficial for community members. Their commitment to providing access to information and fostering intellectual growth means their event calendar is worth checking for public-facing educational and cultural programs, demonstrating the library’s role beyond just academic support.
University of Sharjah Libraries: Diverse Educational Programs
Similar to AUS, the University of Sharjah (UoS) Libraries system, comprising several specialized libraries across its campuses, hosts various educational and cultural events. These libraries primarily serve the academic community but occasionally open their doors for public events. For instance, the UoS Medical Library held a “Second-Hand Medical Books’ Sale” on February 24, 2025, which was a charity event coinciding with a library conference. They also conduct online sessions and workshops on topics ranging from database usage to research tools. While their events are often geared towards academic pursuits, they contribute to the broader intellectual landscape of Sharjah and demonstrate the university’s role in knowledge dissemination, offering opportunities for specialized learning that might appeal to the public.
Sharjah’s Commitment to Accessible Knowledge
Sharjah’s robust library infrastructure, from modern architectural marvels like the House of Wisdom to the extensive network of Public Libraries and academic institutions, reflects a deep-seated commitment to making knowledge and culture accessible to everyone. These libraries are transforming into dynamic cultural hubs, providing spaces for learning, creativity, and community engagement through their diverse event offerings. They truly are the intellectual arteries of the emirate.
Planning Your Literary and Learning Journey
To ensure you catch the most exciting library events in Sharjah, we strongly recommend regularly checking the official Sharjah Events website, as it provides a comprehensive listing of happenings across the emirate. For specific details on library-hosted events, be sure to visit the official websites of the House of Wisdom (houseofwisdom.ae) and the Sharjah Public Libraries (spl.gov.ae). For large-scale literary events, the Sharjah International Book Fair (sibf.com) website is your go-to source. Additionally, explore the event calendars of the American University of Sharjah Library (library.aus.edu/events) and the University of Sharjah Libraries (sharjah.ac.ae/Services/Departments/Library). The www.few.ae team encourages you to delve into the rich intellectual world that Sharjah’s libraries proudly present.
then "Add to Home Screen"