Qatar National Library (QNL) organised its first ever book discussion event to mark International Literacy Day. Members of Qatar Foundation, the general public, QNL registered members and librarians in Qatar attended the gathering at Qatar Foundation’s Clubhouse to discuss ‘The Corsair’ novel. Those present were given an overview of the book and then invited to participate in a Q&A session with the author, Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud, a local Qatari engineer and journalist who previously worked as editor-in-chief of Alsharq and The Peninsula newspapers and also Aljazeera.net.
For more than 40 years the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been celebrating International Literacy Day by reminding the international community that literacy is a human right and the foundation of all learning.
Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud’s book is a thrilling and engaging novel set in the early nineteenth century during one of the most important periods of history in the Arabian Gulf. The groundbreaking story unfolds against the backdrop of the brutal struggle between the British Empire and the Arab tribes of the Gulf for control of the area. It is based on the tale of Erhama bin Jaber, a historical character feared and hunted as a brigand by the British, and yet remembered today in the Gulf as a folk hero.
The event was the latest in an active year for QNL as it has taken a local, regional and international leadership role by hosting community events in Qatar, conducting regional workshops, and forging high-level international partnerships.
Dr. Claudia Lux, Project Director of Qatar National Library, said, “Qatar National Library is an active member of the community and a vital part of the infrastructure in Qatar’s knowledge economy, empowering people to unlock their potential by providing tools for lifelong learning. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, said the modern reader’s role is not only to receive data, but to interact and produce knowledge. Events like this exemplify Qatar National Library’s commitment to fulfilling that role for the modern library.” Following the success of the book discussion event, QNL is planning similar events in the future.
QNL, a non-profit organisation under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is currently offering free online access to a vast collection of online resources, including the latest bestsellers, classical works, concerts, top academic journals, and documentaries.
Qatar National Library’s registered members can currently access a complete list of online resources through: http://www.qnl.qa/find-answers/online-resources. Anyone who lives in Qatar and has a valid Qatari ID/Residence Permit is entitled to free library registration. To register, please visit: https://library.qnl.qa/selfreg.
