A comprehensive programme of activities is promised at Qatar National Library in January. From classical music to games, and from stories to the stars in the night sky, there is something for everyone across the first 31 days of 2020, with the common theme for the month being “Light.”
Taking on board this month’s special theme, 'Storytime at the Library' takes place every Monday from 5–5.30 pm at the Children’s Library. The sessions will engage children aged 6 to 11 in storytelling and attendees will also have a chance to compose their own narratives.
Classical music enthusiasts are in for a treat on January 7 with 'Light in Classical Music: Richard Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony'. Visitors will have the chance to attend an educational screening of An Alpine Symphony played by the Saxon State Orchestra under the baton of the late great Italian conductor and composer Giuseppe Sinopoli.
On January 8, 'Games Between Light and Shadow: A Project for Doha' promises to be both a fun and educational event. This special presentation will explore how light and shadow play on the ground and on walls to reveal images of the sun and measure the passing of time. Based on these richly illustrated observations, a project will reveal live images of earth’s nearest star on a selected wall in Doha.
“Learning is a continuous process and it never stops,” said, Maryam al-Mutawa, Information Services Librarian and acting head of programme services and access at the library. “Our programmes in January suit the needs of everyone and are designed to build on the successful learning journey that our visitors had with us over the past year.”
'Light Is Hiding the Stars' on January 29 is a chance to discover interesting facts about the extraordinary celestial bodies. Participants will learn about the phenomenon of light pollution and the implications of the use of artificial illumination and the deprivation of the view of the starry sky that our ancestors enjoyed.
Other regular events are also on the library’s programme in January, including workshops on creative writing skills and photography, an intriguing look at being an astronaut, the Postgraduate Peer Support Network and the Arabic Book Club. The library will take part in the 30th edition of Doha International Book Fair from January 9–18 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Visitors to the library’s booth will have the chance to learn about its digitisation services, take a sneak peek at the heritage collection and register for library membership.
Starting on January 11 and continuing every Saturday during the month, computer programming enthusiasts have the chance to hone their skills in a special workshop, 'Build Your Video Game in Alice,' and create their own video games. The library is partnering with Qatar Music Academy to stage a series of three workshops on traditional Arabic music instruments on January 18 and throughout February. Attendees will have the chance to play these instruments, including the popular Oud, and learn about its strings, parts and sound production.
On January 15, the library’s director of Historical Research and Partnerships, Dr James Onley, will examine the little-known history of Indian communities in the Gulf region in a lecture and a guided tour of the ongoing 'Qatar, India & The Gulf' exhibition.
In collaboration with Georgetown University in Qatar and Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, the Arabic Book Club at the Library will discuss the book 'Contemporary Arab Society' by intellectual and novelist Halim Barakat.
Classical music enthusiasts are in for a treat on January 7 with 'Light in Classical Music: Richard Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony'. Visitors will have the chance to attend an educational screening of An Alpine Symphony played by the Saxon State Orchestra under the baton of the late great Italian conductor and composer Giuseppe Sinopoli.
On January 8, 'Games Between Light and Shadow: A Project for Doha' promises to be both a fun and educational event. This special presentation will explore how light and shadow play on the ground and on walls to reveal images of the sun and measure the passing of time. Based on these richly illustrated observations, a project will reveal live images of earth’s nearest star on a selected wall in Doha.
“Learning is a continuous process and it never stops,” said, Maryam al-Mutawa, Information Services Librarian and acting head of programme services and access at the library. “Our programmes in January suit the needs of everyone and are designed to build on the successful learning journey that our visitors had with us over the past year.”
'Light Is Hiding the Stars' on January 29 is a chance to discover interesting facts about the extraordinary celestial bodies. Participants will learn about the phenomenon of light pollution and the implications of the use of artificial illumination and the deprivation of the view of the starry sky that our ancestors enjoyed.
Other regular events are also on the library’s programme in January, including workshops on creative writing skills and photography, an intriguing look at being an astronaut, the Postgraduate Peer Support Network and the Arabic Book Club. The library will take part in the 30th edition of Doha International Book Fair from January 9–18 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Visitors to the library’s booth will have the chance to learn about its digitisation services, take a sneak peek at the heritage collection and register for library membership.
Starting on January 11 and continuing every Saturday during the month, computer programming enthusiasts have the chance to hone their skills in a special workshop, 'Build Your Video Game in Alice,' and create their own video games. The library is partnering with Qatar Music Academy to stage a series of three workshops on traditional Arabic music instruments on January 18 and throughout February. Attendees will have the chance to play these instruments, including the popular Oud, and learn about its strings, parts and sound production.
On January 15, the library’s director of Historical Research and Partnerships, Dr James Onley, will examine the little-known history of Indian communities in the Gulf region in a lecture and a guided tour of the ongoing 'Qatar, India & The Gulf' exhibition.
In collaboration with Georgetown University in Qatar and Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, the Arabic Book Club at the Library will discuss the book 'Contemporary Arab Society' by intellectual and novelist Halim Barakat.