Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL), an affiliate of Sharjah Book Authority, is calling on children and youth to nurture their talents and foster a love of books and reading through special upskilling programmes and workshops organised across its six branches from December 5- 29, 2022.

The diverse activities and workshops, scheduled during the upcoming winter vacation, aims to enrich knowledge of participants through interactive sessions, discussions, and edutainment activities and will be held at SPL’s six branches in Khorfakkan, Al Dhaid, Wadi Al Helou, Dibba Al Hisn, Kalba and Sharjah city.

SPL will be organising six specialised workshops each in Sharjah City, Kalba, Wadi Al Heloui, and Khorfakkan, while Al Dhaid will host four and Dibba Al Hisn will conduct five workshops.

From sessions that enrich Arabic vocabulary of participants and help them master conscious reading skills to creative workshops on Arabic calligraphy and origami, SPL’s expert-led activities are designed to expand the knowledge and expertise of its young members. Other engaging and interactive activities include cultural competitions in the Arabic language and an enlightening panel discussion titled ‘Dialogue with a author’ where participants can gain valuable insights on strategies to become a professional author.

SPL will also organise an etiquette workshop aimed at building knowledge of participants on the appropriate way to interact and communicate with people with disabilities to help ease their integration into the community.

A special session designed for older participants will outline top tips for communicating with teens. Other activities under the workshop agenda for December also include ‘Space Probe’, ‘Trauma Therapy’ and ‘Benefits of failed experiences’.

Commenting on the upcoming workshops, Eman Bushlaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries, said: “Coinciding with the start of the winter break in the UAE for educational institutions, SPL is utilising the month of December – traditionally a period of fun and rest, to connect children and youth with unique learning opportunities. The diverse agenda of activities will also strengthen their relationship with books and offer an exciting opportunity to meet eminent authors who will inspire their thinking and creativity. Expanding the knowledge of children and youth in an open and nurturing space further bolsters the role of libraries in their lives.”