Qatar National Library is set to host an exciting lineup of events for children and young adults, focusing on heritage, research and learning this September. The long-awaited photography exhibition will also open next month, alongside sessions related to the ongoing Doha Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2021 celebration.
On 1 September, in collaboration with Tarsheed – Kahramaa, the Library will host a scientific research challenge for children and young adults ages 10 to 16. Participants will be given nearly three weeks to register, followed by a training session on 21 September for all participants to familiarize them with the terms and a brief on writing short scientific articles. The themes for the scientific articles are “environmental pollution” and “the importance of afforestation for the environment.” A total of 50 entries will be allowed, and the winners will be rewarded with a prize and a participation certificate. This challenge is a great opportunity for students to cultivate their knowledge in the scientific research and information literacy fields.
As part of the ongoing Doha Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2021 event, the Library will host the panel discussion “The Role of Libraries in Preserving Islamic Cultural Heritage” on 6 September. The event will be inaugurated by keynote speaker His Excellency Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State, Qatar and President of Qatar National Library. He will be joined by His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Zain Al-Abidin, Director of Culture and Communication Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and prominent Library staff members.
The Library’s highly anticipated photography exhibition, “Between Science and Art: Early Photography in the Middle East,” is scheduled to open on 20 September. The exhibition will take visitors on a photographic journey through Arab history, showcasing the camera obscura and the daguerreotype and some of the earliest photographers. The exhibition will focus on the stories of the first practitioners, displaying some of the earliest images taken in the Middle East.
On 25 September, the Library will partner with AYCM Qatar and Regenerative Australia to host the session “Cooling Qatar: Our Imperative and Safe Natural Options,” to discuss creative and nature-based solutions to bringing down the country’s temperature in the future. Professor Walter Jehne, a leading soil microbiologist, will talk about carbon storage and soil fertility to cool Qatar.
In September, the Library will launch the first community read and virtual book discussion. Participants are invited to read the novel Bitter Almonds, by Lilas Taha, and join a virtual discussion with the author in November. The book is the story of a Palestinian orphan, who, due to the Israeli occupation, finds himself away from his homeland. To get a copy of the novel, participants are required to book a Library visit in advance.
The Library will continue to offer informative and engaging events throughout September 2021. For a complete list of events, please visit the Events page on the Library’s website (www.qnl.qa/en/events).
