A comprehensive program of activities is promised at Qatar National Library at the start of what is certain to be a memorable year for everyone in the country. 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 5:00 – 5:30 PM at the Children’s Library. The sessions will engage children ages 6 to 11 in storytelling and attendees will also have a chance to compose their own narratives.
Classical music enthusiasts are in for a tuneful treat on 7 January 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.
The following morning, 8 January, “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 Program Services and Access at the Library. “Our programs 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. We hope that these programs will provide opportunities for members of the community to engage, show their creativity and immerse themselves in thought-provoking conversations.”
“Light Is Hiding the Stars” on 29 January 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 program 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 “Creative Writing Skills” workshop on 4 January will give a chance to those starting their writing journey to interact with an expert writer and learn essential creative writing methods. On 11 January, a four-session course, “Digital Photography for Beginners,” will teach basic photography skills to participants.
The Library will take part in the 30th edition of Doha International Book Fair from 9 – 18 January at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. Visitors to the Library’s booth will have the chance to learn about its digitization services, take a sneak peek at the heritage collection and register for Library membership. A full program of engaging activities will also be offered for children and families.
Starting on 11 January and continuing every Saturday during the month, computer programing 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 18 January 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.
Other events in January are “How To Be An Astronaut,” presented by the Science Book Forum, on 18 January, and the monthly Philharmonic at the Library concert features string quartet pieces by “Gabriel Faure and Claude Debussy” on 23 January.
On 15 January, 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.
The Library’s Postgraduate Peer Support Network will meet on 25 January for its first session of the year to offer advice to current and aspiring postgraduates, mostly PhD students, in need of intellectual and emotional support.
