Reimagining Libraries as Social Infrastructure
13 & 14 May 2026
Pre-Forum Workshop
Co-Designing the Social Library: Tools for Community-Led Transformation
12 May 2026
For more information and to register in the workshop, click here.
Qatar National Library, in-person
In a world defined by rapid technological advancement and evolving community needs, libraries remain essential spaces for connection, learning, and collective growth. The 5th edition of the Libraries Lead Forum will focus on the theme “Reimagining Libraries as Social Infrastructure.” It will explore how libraries can evolve into inclusive, community-centered hubs that foster social capital, strengthen connections, and help bridge the digital divide. The forum will also highlight the critical role libraries play in empowering individuals by providing equitable access to technology, promoting digital literacy, and supporting lifelong learning. From equipping individuals with vital digital skills to offering welcoming environments for collaboration and discovery, libraries are uniquely positioned to nurture thriving, informed, and connected communities.
Key topics of the forum include:
- Empowering community members through digital and other literacies, fostering confidence, independence, and active participation in the digital age.
- Expanding access and inclusion by connecting digitally underserved populations through libraries, offering outreach, free access to technology, training, and literacy resources.
- Fostering informed and active citizenship through skill development and multiliteracy education, enabling meaningful engagement in society.
- Strengthening community connections through collaborative library spaces that promote shared experiences, dialogue, and a sense of belonging.
- Advancing lifelong learning and economic opportunity by providing access to technology and diverse literacies, supporting individuals in pursuing education, employment, and personal growth.
The forum agenda will be available soon. In the meantime, click here to register in the forum and here for some references related to the forum’s theme.
For inquiries related to registration, feel free to reach out to [email protected].
Free metro passes will be distributed upon on-site registration on May 13, click here for more details about the Doha Metro.
Important note: Kindly note that participants are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and visa application and processing expenses. Please click here for information about hotels, visa applications and transportation for participants traveling from outside Qatar.
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