Sharjah Ruler allots Dh2.5m worth of books to Sharjah libraries

ABU DHABI // Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has directed the allocation of Dh2.5 million worth of books to Sharjah’s public, school and university libraries.

The initiative, which will significantly expand the number of titles available, is in line with 2016 being declared as the UAE’s ‘Year of Reading.’

The books will be purchased from publishers participating in the eighth edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2016), which is currently under way at Expo Centre Sharjah.

In addition to broadening access to sources of knowledge and culture for the emirate’s citizens and residents, the move will support publishers and the regional book industry as a whole.

SCRF 2016, which is running until April 30, is being held with the participation of 130 publishing houses from 15 countries.

The UAE tops the list of countries taking part with 55 publishing houses, followed by Lebanon with 25 and Egypt with 20. Canada, China, India and the United Kingdom are among the many other countries having a significant presence at this year’s festival, which is exhibiting books in Arabic, English, French, Indian and Urdu, among other languages.

Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority, organisers of SCRF 2016, said: “The Ruler of Sharjah has supported the Sharjah International Book Fair and the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival since their inception, providing all forms of support, patronage and guidance to ensure their excellent organisation and hosting. Each year, both events enjoy a strong public turnout, feature broad participation from international exhibitors and have a long-term positive impact.”