Qatar National Library (QNL) will host a variety of events and activities in September aimed at reviving famous legends and traditional fairytales for the reading community.
Talks and workshops will highlight the significance of local folklore in Qatari society.
Visitors can also join in a host of other events and be a part of global celebrations to mark International Literacy Day and the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing.
This month, ‘Storytime at the Library’ will evoke the magical world of fairytales, both traditional and newer.
Young readers ages six to 11 will be encouraged to enjoy the vivid storytelling in Arabic at the Children’s Library every Monday from September 2.
The Library’s regular events include ‘Little Muslims Pray’ on September 4, open to children ages seven to 10. The session introduces children to prayer and reinforces the importance of worship in Islam.
‘Your Fairytale Painting’ on September 5 and 19 is a fun workshop with creative artist Mariana Mohsen, where participants will be inspired to draw and paint their own rendition of scenes from classic fairytales.
Qatari fairytales will be the focus of a unique event for adults, Qatari Stories: Between Reality and Legend’, on September 14. These fairytales are based on real events and share the way they have affected Qatari society.
On September 18, in cooperation with the Qatari Authors’ Forum, QNL will present ‘Qatar’s Old Tales’ lecture. The talk will highlight the dialogue between important traditions, proverbs and legends.
‘The Legend of Gilgamesh’ on September 25 will discuss the myth of the great flood in the epic of Gilgamesh. The lecture will be presented by Director of Museum Affairs at the Qatar National Museum Dr Haya al-Thani and moderated by Dr Sherine al-Manshawi from Qatar University.
The Young Adults Film Club will meet on September 5 and 19, another opportunity for movie buffs to learn how to watch films from a filmmaker’s perspective.
The Arabic creative writing workshop series concludes on September 7, organised in collaboration with Radhi al-Hajri, founder of Zekreet Publishing and Distribution.
For artists with drawing skills, ‘Draw a Photo from Qatar’s History’ on September 7 is an opportunity to draw one of the Library’s ‘History of Qatar’ photos under the guidance of Qatari artist, Fahad al-Maadheed.
The drawing class will be preceded by an introduction to the Qatar Photographic Collection at the Heritage Library by Information Services Librarian, Maryam al-Mutawa.
Manager of the Children’s and Young Adults’ Library Hind al-Khulaifi, said: “The Library’s events provide a tremendous opportunity for every member of the community to learn and remain engaged, which is part of the Library’s broader mission. The program is sure to offer an activity or experience to suit everyone, whether they are seeking to learn more about society, ancient legends, or important human achievements.”
September also marks the occasion of International Literacy Day. The Library will organize the ‘Our Children and Books’ lecture on September 7, open to parents, educators and those interested in child development.
Building on the theme of literacy, and in collaboration with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, QNL will present a lecture by Dr Hassan Ali Diba, who will speak about Qatar’s efforts to combat illiteracy and highlight the importance of learning languages throughout history.
Celebrating one of mankind’s most significant achievements, the Library, in collaboration with the US embassy in Qatar, marks the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing with a presentation on September 18 by Dr Mary Ellen Weber. The former Nasa astronaut, who flew on two space shuttle flights, will speak on her experiences during the event, ‘The Moon and Beyond: The Experience of Space and the Future of Exploration’. 
Music lovers can enjoy a new season of the Library’s concerts, which resume on September 19.
Jewelry lovers are invited to attend the lecture, ‘A Journey Through the World of Diamonds’, presented by jewellery designer, Einas Mohamed, on September 21.
The Library’s Science Book Forum on September 30 will focus on ‘Evolution: Between Science and Myth’. 
During September, the Library will offer several hands-on workshops including ‘Introduction to 3D Modelling’ on September 12, which will introduce the basic techniques and concepts of 3D modelling and 3D modelling software.
On September 19, middle and high school students can take part in an online database training to learn about the Library’s various online resources including research tools, e-books, audiobooks and periodicals.