SHARJAH: Celebrating 100 years in 2025, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) has cemented its status as a premier cultural institution in the Middle East, offering an expansive collection of 15 million digital resources. With a strong commitment to knowledge accessibility, SPL has embraced digital innovation, ensuring resources are available worldwide.
Since its inception, SPL has been dedicated to preserving knowledge while fostering innovation and inclusivity. Its collection spans 791,328 physical resources, including rare manuscripts, Braille books, audiobooks, videos, and research materials. The library’s digital transformation now offers e-books, audiobooks, journals, and maps in over 10 languages, catering to global audiences.
Recognising diversity, SPL provides content in 40 foreign languages, alongside Arabic and English, serving a multicultural community of over 117 nationalities. Its rare manuscripts section boasts 3,102 unique works, including 912 ancient books in five languages. A notable treasure is a historical Quran copy, linked to Caliph Uthman ibn Affan, mirroring one in Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace Museum. Through a comprehensive digital database, researchers worldwide can access historical books, maps, and documents remotely.
Demonstrating commitment to inclusivity, SPL offers Braille books, e-books, and assistive devices, ensuring visually impaired individuals have equal learning opportunities. Modernising library services, SPL has introduced electronic borrowing, online memberships, and smart book returns, streamlining accessibility. Features like drive-through book returns and smart lockers provide 24/7 access, redefining the library experience.
With its centennial milestone, Sharjah Public Libraries continues to pioneer digital transformation, ensuring knowledge remains borderless, inclusive, and readily available to all.
