QNL to mark National Day with a slew of activities

Qatar National Library (QNL), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), has organised an array of events as part of its Qatar National Day 2017 celebrations.
The activities will be held at QNL’s world-class building in Education City and are designed to highlight Qatar’s heritage and historical achievements, QNL has said in a statement.
This year also marks the first time QNL will celebrate Qatar National Day since opening to the public in November.
Numerous activities for children will be held, including Qatari author Sheikha al-Ziyara reading to children, on December 15; a puzzle game, ‘Qatar District Map’, in which participants learn about Qatar’s geography, on December 17; and ‘Jassim’s Story’, an interactive session telling the story of a Qatari child discovering a love of learning, on December 17.
Teenagers, too, can take part in the festivities. On December 17, QNL will host ‘Letter to the Nation’, where teens can write letters expressing their feelings about Qatar. They can also work together on a large map puzzle of Qatar designed to educate participants about the nation’s geography, also taking place on December 17.
“QNL’s activities are aimed at fostering a love of learning while also cultivating a sense of pride in Qatar,” said executive director Dr Sohair F Wastawy.
QNL’s Heritage Library is staging an exhibition to showcase some of the rare items from its collection relating to Qatar’s history and culture. The exhibition is featuring a historic map of Qatar, dating back to 1482.
In addition to the famous work of Uthman Ibn Sanad al-Basri, Saba?ik al-Asjad, highlighting the era of Ahmed Ben Rezk – the famous merchant who lived in Al Zubarah, with a special focus on urban and commercial development, a letter from Sheikh Abdullah bin Qassim al-Thani to one of the top merchants in the Gulf highlighting trade and goods will also be on display.
Today, music of the region takes centre stage as QNL hosts a concert by the Marasi Ensemble with traditional Arabic music. The Marasi Ensemble, part of Qatar Music Academy, also a member of QF, will play several traditional Qatari songs in the authentic maqam musical style.
Other Qatar National Day activities at QNL include displays of notable and interesting Tamim Al Majd messages from around Qatar and special activities at the library’s Innovation Stations. The library’s circulation desk will feature publications about Qatar and its history, so visitors can learn more about the nation and its people.
QNL will be closed on December 18; however, the library’s online resources and events can be accessed through its website: www.qnl.qa