Qatar National Library (QNL), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), has
organised an array of events as part of its Qatar National Day 2017
celebrations.
The activities will be held at QNL’s world-class building in Education
City and are designed to highlight Qatar’s heritage and historical
achievements, QNL has said in a statement.
This year also marks the first time QNL will celebrate Qatar National Day since opening to the public in November.
Numerous activities for children will be held, including Qatari author
Sheikha al-Ziyara reading to children, on December 15; a puzzle game,
‘Qatar District Map’, in which participants learn about Qatar’s
geography, on December 17; and ‘Jassim’s Story’, an interactive session
telling the story of a Qatari child discovering a love of learning, on
December 17.
Teenagers, too, can take part in the festivities. On December 17, QNL
will host ‘Letter to the Nation’, where teens can write letters
expressing their feelings about Qatar. They can also work together on a
large map puzzle of Qatar designed to educate participants about the
nation’s geography, also taking place on December 17.
“QNL’s activities are aimed at fostering a love of learning while also
cultivating a sense of pride in Qatar,” said executive director Dr
Sohair F Wastawy.
QNL’s Heritage Library is staging an exhibition to showcase some of the
rare items from its collection relating to Qatar’s history and culture.
The exhibition is featuring a historic map of Qatar, dating back to
1482.
In addition to the famous work of Uthman Ibn Sanad al-Basri, Saba?ik
al-Asjad, highlighting the era of Ahmed Ben Rezk – the famous merchant
who lived in Al Zubarah, with a special focus on urban and commercial
development, a letter from Sheikh Abdullah bin Qassim al-Thani to one of
the top merchants in the Gulf highlighting trade and goods will also be
on display.
Today, music of the region takes centre stage as QNL hosts a concert by
the Marasi Ensemble with traditional Arabic music. The Marasi Ensemble,
part of Qatar Music Academy, also a member of QF, will play several
traditional Qatari songs in the authentic maqam musical style.
Other Qatar National Day activities at QNL include displays of notable
and interesting Tamim Al Majd messages from around Qatar and special
activities at the library’s Innovation Stations. The library’s
circulation desk will feature publications about Qatar and its history,
so visitors can learn more about the nation and its people.
QNL will be closed on December 18; however, the library’s online
resources and events can be accessed through its website: www.qnl.qa