Emphasizing the vital role of reading in acquiring knowledge and investing it in serious writing endeavours,
The National Library and Archives hosts a dialogue session at the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Festival
The Youth Council at the National Library and Archives (NLA) hosted a dialogue session at the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024, aiming to encourage reading and serious writing. The NLA’s talented and creative authors participated in the session and shared their personal experiences and their cultural and intellectual background.
The session speakers included Mrs. Fatima Al Mazrouei, Mr. Rashed Al Hamadi, Mrs. Iman Al Breiki, and was moderated by Mr. Mohammed Bishr, President of the NLA Youth Council.
The session shed light on the importance of reading as an essential knowledge acquirement tool that is unanimously considered more efficient when one starts it at an early age. Mrs. Fatima Al Mazrouei stressed that the upbringing of children plays a vital role in encouraging them to read and gain knowledge and referred to home libraries and grandmothers’ tales as essential sources of inspiration. She added that she has been a bookworm since she was a child and has produced dozens of books, the latest being “Expo from Osaka to Dubai” along with numerous novels, plays, short stories, poems, and essays. She also pointed out the importance of the National Law of Reading and the National Reading Month, the initiatives and activities of which she encouraged the public to take advantage of and to select useful books.
Mr. Rashed Al Hamadi showcased his best-selling book at the Sharjah Book Fair titled “Black and White,” which delves into a myriad of subjects, ideas, and issues related to the youth. He emphasized the significant role his father played in nurturing his talents, particularly in reading and writing. Moreover, Mr. Al Hamadi underscored the importance of having libraries at home and highlighted the value of acquiring knowledge through reading. He also encouraged young people to actively seek opportunities rather than waiting for them.
Mrs. Iman Al Breiki, author of “Tolerance in The United Arab Emirates” and “The United Arab Emirates: History and Accomplishment” which are among the remarkable publications of the NLA, pointed out that she took advantage of the NLA resources including document and pictures. She emphasized that her father is her first teacher and inspirer, who encouraged her to pursue reading and writing, and she drew strength of character from him.
The dialogue session also featured numerous contributions and questions regarding e-books and the decline of paper books, as well as the impact of electronic systems on reading habits.