Dhahran, Rabi’ al-Akhir 25, 1445 AH, corresponding to November 9, 2023 AD
SPA The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture “Ithra” yesterday organized a cultural session entitled “Libraries as a Source of Creativity… Ithra Library as a Model,” as part of its participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair during the period 1 – November 12th.
The specialist in library systems and technical services at the center, Ali Al-Saadi, spoke about the development stages of the “Ithra” library, and what distinguishes the library, receiving more than 600,000 visitors and 37,000 readers since the beginning of this year, in addition to hosting 88 reading clubs, and providing more than 80 programs and about 600 enriching discussion sessions.
Al-Saadi touched on the initiatives of “Ithra” Library, which include seven Arab and international cities, in addition to the translation of many of its publications into different international languages, in addition to the international technologies that Ithra Library has employed, such as RFID technology, whether in the lending process, self-service devices, or returning books, and smart screens that It allows visitors to scan the book on the RFID reader to give detailed information about the book, in addition to screens that help visitors locate the books, in addition to reviewing the environmental practices provided by the library in waste management and recycling programs, waste sorting systems, and containers designated for plastic, food, and paper in the library’s corridors. .
For his part, the cultural advisor at the “Ithra” Center, Tariq Al-Khawaji, spoke about the role of libraries in creating cultural thought and creative energy, as the Ithra Library offers many activities through a series of programs and activities through which it accommodates the cognitive needs of all age groups, indicating that it is at the forefront of these programs. “Iqra” program, which began ten years ago.
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is participating in the Sharjah International Book Fair for the first time in 2023. It is a diamond sponsor of the Sharjah International Library Conference at the fair, and a participant in the cultural program accompanying the fair, through which it showcases Its most important cultural initiatives and programs, such as the Iqraa competition, the Content Enrichment Initiative, and the Ithra Academy
By Ms Safa
Source KSA Embassy Islamabad
