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Qatar National Library (QNL) hosted on Saturday the second edition of 'Write to Inspire: Books and Authors' program, bringing together publishers, authors, and industry professionals. The program explored current state of publishing and authorship in Qatar, with a focus on strengthening collaboration between local publishers and authors while providing them with an opportunity to connect with the wider community.The initiative aligns with Qatar National Library's mission to establish itself as a hub for learning, culture, and dialogue.This year's edition focused on deepening understanding of Qatar's publishing and distribution ecosystem, providing a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, highlight challenges, and explore growth prospects. One of the program's key outcomes was enabling publishers and authors to directly engage with the public.The event also welcomed representatives from Al-Nour Center, who gave a presentation on Braille printing in Qatar. They highlighted that most Braille publications are limited to school textbooks and stressed the need for more diverse reading materials for people with visual impairments.The event also showcased literature and writing prizes in Qatar, celebrating the achievements of local authors.On this occasion, Senior Information Services Librarian at Qatar National Library, Haya Abdulla Al Sheeb, said the event serves as a platform for nurturing Qatari talent and promoting a culture of collaboration within the local publishing industry.She added that bringing together authors, publishers, and readers, this program creates meaningful connections that support local creativity and contribute to a thriving cultural landscape. Al Sheed also underlined that Qatar National Library is working to encourage publishers and writers to devote greater attention to producing Braille books, enriching the availability of such works in Qatar and better serving the needs of the visually impaired.

The Qatar National Library (QNL) is organising the “My Family and I” today and tomorrow, from 9am to 11.30am, via Microsoft Teams.The forum features a group of specialists and experts in the fields of motherhood, childhood, child health, and parenting, the QNL website said.The forum aims to provide an educational and interactive platform that brings together mothers, fathers, and educators with specialists through training sessions and dialogues that highlight the most prominent issues related to maternal and child health and the daily challenges facing families.It also provides practical advice and scientific tips that will support families in building a healthy and safe environment for children.The QNL announced that participation in the forum is open to everyone.Electronic certificates of attendance will be awarded to participants at the conclusion of the forum.

Qatar Reads, an initiative under the Qatar National Library (QNL), and M7 have launched the Fables in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025 to illustrate the book Maqamat Al-Hariri in diverse artistic formats. Held in Msheireb M7, Qatar’s epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech, the exhibition expands the life of literature to connect and inform community members about our past as a source of cultural and creative innovation. The exhibition, which runs until September 20, is part of “One Book, One Doha”, Qatar Reads' annual reading campaign that brings community members together in a shared reading experience. Each year a book from Arabic literature is selected, inviting everyone to read, reflect and engage through a variety of campaign activities. A total of 30 artists and fashion designers are participating in reviving the content of this Arabic literary masterpiece. The exhibition includes canvas works, installations and fashion designs that were produced by 13 Qatari artists and 17 international artists. Thirty-two artistic and creative works are on display, in addition to eight fashion pieces to celebrate the power of literature and timeless wisdom. In this art exhibition, artists and collaborators bring a fresh visual perspective that infuses the narrative with a creative spirit and artistic depth. This enriches the book's content and transforms it into a multi-dimensional experience. Through their original contributions, the artists reimagine the text, broadening its scope and adding new levels of meaning. The exhibition is not just a representation of the book, it celebrates the creative added value brought by each participating artist, turning the literary work into a vibrant space for dialogue where words and images come together in a harmony worth exploring. HE the Minister of State and QNL president Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari said: “It is a true honour to present this magnificent artistic experience that can enable the society to learn and discover new meanings.” “The art exhibition emphasises our role at the QNL – thus expanding our efforts beyond the bookshelves,” he said. “It builds on our heritage and literature to promote imagination and creativity, culturally and technologically.” “We always aim to present our history in new, engaging ways to help the new generations absorb wisdom and build on a solid foundation where they can find engaging topics in old books,” HE Dr al-Kawari added. “This exhibition encourages members of the community to engage with literature in different ways, which means leveraging the power of reading to cultivate a reading culture within the community.” “By merging literacy initiatives with art and fashion, the Fables in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025 demonstrates that reading is part of our future-oriented vision – fueling creativity, collaboration and cultural dialogue,” he concluded. “When we selected Maqamat Al-Hariri as Book of the Year, it was based on our conviction that its themes would resonate widely across all segments of the community,” said Qatar Reads manager Fatema al-Malki, said. “We are proud of this interactive experience, which highlights art and fashion as powerful tools to reinforce the role of literature in our society, fostering creativity, innovation and cultural enrichment.”

Qatar National Library (QNL) organised an event under the title ‘In the Footsteps of an Ottoman Traveller: Retracing the Routes of Evliya Celebi’, hosted by Turkish travel writer Seymen Bozaslan. This event is part of QNL’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Islamic cultural heritage as well as to bring the legacy of 17th-century Ottoman explorer Evliya Celebi to life.Bozaslan shared insights from his years-long journey across Turkiye, during which he followed the path of Celebi, connecting historical accounts with modern-day observations and imagery. A highlight of the event was the presentation of a 4-metre-long manuscript map of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, attributed to Celebi himself. The manuscript, preserved in the library’s Heritage Collection, was reproduced as a fold-out facsimile in Bozaslan’s latest publication.Commenting on the event, Information Service Librarian at QNL Huseyin Sen said that QNL’s Heritage Library is committed to showcasing the enduring connections between past and present. “By hosting Bozaslan and showcasing unique works like the Evliya Celebi map, we continue to engage our community in meaningful dialogue about the Islamic world’s intellectual and cultural heritage,” Sen added.

Qatar National Library (QNL) has announced the launch of its annual September Membership Campaign, inviting new members to enjoy the Library's world-class facilities, resources, and services, with the added opportunity to win an iPad.The campaign reflects QNL's ongoing commitment to its guiding principle, 'QNL4ALL,' which ensures equitable access to knowledge for everyone in the community.QNL membership is free for everyone living in Qatar and provides access to more than one million physical books in 20 languages, a rich collection of digital resources, and state-of-the-art Innovation Stations, including music studios and green-screen rooms. The Library also offers dedicated study and media rooms, as well as a vibrant Children's Library with interactive learning tools and engaging programs for young readers."QNL4ALL is more than just a slogan; it is our promise to the community," said Director of Research and Learning Services at QNL Katia Medawar. "Our aim is to make knowledge accessible to all, whether you are a student, researcher, creative professional, or simply someone with a passion for learning," she added.Members also benefit from expert support for academic and professional development, alongside the option of free institutional membership for workplaces and organizations in Qatar.Membership can be obtained by downloading the QNL mobile app, available on Google Play and Apple's App Store, through the website, or by visiting the Library's User Services Desk.By joining Qatar National Library this September, community members can explore an unparalleled world of knowledge, creativity, and cultural engagement, and enjoy the chance to win exciting prizes.