SHARJAH: A major Sharjah library upgrade is on the way, thanks to the AED2.5 million allocated by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The funds will update public and governmental libraries with the latest Arabic and international publications from the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF).

This Sharjah library upgrade reflects His Highness’s long-standing vision to transform libraries into hubs of knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. It highlights Sharjah’s continued focus on investing in people through education and reading, offering new generations a rich range of modern learning resources.

The initiative also aims to boost the publishing sector by empowering publishers and ensuring that diverse, high-quality content reaches readers. By enriching the libraries with thousands of new titles every year, Sharjah reinforces its position as a city dedicated to scientific research, cultural exchange, and lifelong learning.

Commenting on the grant, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), said, “This investment in Sharjah’s libraries not only strengthens human development but also supports the sustainability of the publishing sector globally.”

She added, “This grant is a gift to readers, opening doors for young minds to discover, question, and innovate. Supporting publishers ensures that fresh content continues to inspire society. Thanks to His Highness’s leadership, Sharjah’s libraries are becoming vibrant spaces for dialogue, creativity, and growth.”

The Sharjah library upgrade will significantly expand access to diverse fields of science, literature, and research, aligning perfectly with Sharjah’s cultural and educational goals. It also reaffirms that a simple book can spark ideas that shape the future, planting seeds of innovation among Sharjah’s youth.

The 16th edition of SCRF runs until May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah.