Qatar National Library’s January events explore the history of writing and literature in the Arab world, connecting modern readers to those of past generations through lectures, community forums and workshops.
On 2 January, Dr. Noureddine Al-Hamidi, Professor at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh, Morocco, will give a lecture on historical libraries in the Islamic world, their misfortunes, the fates of the items they contained and the subsequent effect on scholarship.
On 15 January, young adults are invited to join Abdullah Al-Shamri from Ibn Taymiyyah Secondary School to learn about how reading can positively impact their personal lives.
The “Our Children Matter” series continues on 11 and 25 January with two sessions on the main milestones of motor and sensory development in children ages two to five and the ways parents and educators can reinforce this development.
Visitors to the Doha International Book Fair on 17 January and 20 January can consult with the manuscript team at the Library’s booth for tips, including on how to choose between multiple versions and editions of manuscript-based books.
On 18 January, the Library, in partnership with the French Embassy cultural service and the French Institute, presents “Afkar: Rethinking Art and Philosophy from the Middle East to the West.” The event will present expert panels discussing the cross-view between the Middle East and Europe around the concept of "transfer of studies," which underlines the importance of the Arabo-Islamic thought process in European intellectual modernity.
The monthly “Philharmonic at the Library” concert will take place in the Special Events Area on 20 January, featuring a selection of impressions of America by composers from around the world.
Literature enthusiasts can enjoy a pair of events around the end of the month. At the 23 January webinar “Novel and Poetry in Arab American Literature,” award-winning authors Sarah M.A. Gualtieri, Helen Zughaib and George Abraham will discuss past and present Arab American literature. Dr. Matthew Stiffler of the Arab American National Museum will deliver the keynote speech.
On 27 January, the monthly Arabic Book Club will host author Saud Alsan’ousi to talk about his recent novel Saliha's Camel. Copies of the book are available for borrowing at the User Services Desk.
Postgraduate researchers are invited to join the Library’s Science Majlis on 29 January to offer each other support, trade tips and advice, and share experiences as they progress on their academic journeys.
Throughout the month, visitors to the Library can explore the exhibition “Arab Immigrants in the US: Pursuing the American Dream,” which highlights various aspects of Arab immigration to the US, such as history, causes and cultural conflict, and showcases the enriching impact of Arab literature on its American counterpart.
For a complete list of events, please continue to check the Events page on the Library’s website (www.qnl.qa/en/events)
