ORGANIZING THE NINTH SESSION OF THE AL-WARAQEEN USED BOOK FESTIVAL
As the ninth Al Warraqeen Used Book Festival draws near, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) is getting ready. The event, which will take place in Palm Park on the shores of Khalid Lake in Sharjah from February 5 to 9, 2025, is being organized by SCHS with the theme "When books come to life... the stories of the future are written."
Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, President of SCHS and Head of the Supreme Organizing Committees of the Festival, has confirmed SCHS’s keenness to sustain the organization of the festival since 2006, in line with the cultural approach established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. SCHS attaches great importance to sustainability in all the services it provides and the events it organizes.
The president of SCHS also mentioned sustainability, saying, "Since 2020, SCHS has complied with community members' pleas to make the (Al-Warraqeen Used Book Festival) sustainable after its tremendous success. To continue its cultural and educational function for the community and those with disabilities, SCHS chose to host the "Al-Warraqeen Used Book Festival" on the first Saturday of each month.
She said, “Enhancing the value and significance of books, promoting reading, elevating the value of volunteer work, and generating creative financial income that supports the programs and services SCHS offers to individuals with disabilities in line with best international practices—as well as the significant environmental benefits—are some of the most significant objectives the organization hopes to accomplish through the festival”.
The president of SCHS discussed the cultural and social ideals that the festival imparts to its volunteers and guests. In addition to offering visitors of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds the priceless chance to buy books and acquire information and culture at symbolic rates, it also offers the option of voluntary participation in all of its stages.
Volunteers with disabilities are contributors to the festival.
From the very beginning of planning to the last day of the festival's events, Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela was extremely grateful for the volunteers' contributions. People with disabilities were among the volunteers who helped the festival run smoothly and successfully because they valued education and promoting culture among the public.
In terms of concept and organization, Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela clarified that the Al Warraqeen Used Book Festival, formerly known as the "Used Book Festival," is the first and biggest of its type in the United Arab Emirates since its inception in 2006. It now serves as a brilliant representation of Sharjah, demonstrating the emirate's enthusiasm in anything that advances human civilization and development.
According to her, the name "Al-Waraqeen" is a resuscitation of a tradition that dates to the Abbasid era, when the job of "Al-Waraq" included publishing, editing, and copying books in addition to the tasks associated with copying, like binding, gilding, and selling paper, pens, and inkwells. In other words, the Al-Waraqeen were producing, distributing, and selling paper and the required writing instruments—tasks that libraries, publishing houses, and distribution houses perform nowadays.
Community members were urged by Sheikha Jameela to attend the event, buy priceless books, and start private libraries at highly symbolic costs. She emphasized that the festival's primary objective is not just to raise money, which will always go to help those with disabilities, but also to improve the public's and volunteers' social, cultural, and cognitive well-being.
She emphasized that the Al-Waraqeen Used Book Festival is still being developed through careful planning, creative ideas, and increasing the number of books and the proceeds that benefit society and people with disabilities while keeping the festival's symbolic book prices low, giving everyone the chance to buy pricey books at affordable prices.
SCHS’s president directed her sincerest thanks to SCHS’s partners in organizing the festival: Sharjah City Municipality, Sharjah Electricity Water and Gas Authority, Fast Building Contracting Company, and Sharjah Police. She extended her thanks to the media sponsors: Site Global Company, Ramal International Advertising and Publicity Company, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and Sharjah Government Media Office. Special thanks went to SCHS’s strategic partners, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and to all the sponsors and contributors to the organization and success of the festival.
It is important to note that in addition to planning cultural events and recognizing the inventiveness of individuals with disabilities and their peers, individuals without disabilities, of various categories and ages, several social and entertainment events will be held in conjunction with the festival. Public and private schools, as well as collaborating organizations, agencies, and centers, will showcase their artistic and creative endeavors throughout the festival. Additionally, the SCHS-affiliated Art for All Center "Falaj" will showcase plays.