Readers’ Cicerone to the Sharjah Library

If you aspire to create a society of intellectuals and knowledge enthusiasts, then the only thing you need is an easy approach to books and literature. In today’s fast-paced life with tablets, kindles and the Internet Society is in desper Sharjah Library need of a space to think and learn. Libraries are those places, the only place that holds centuries’ worth of knowledge. Libraries are also a place for growth and rejuvenation. A massive place of knowledge is the Sharjah Public Library location that stands in the Halwan Suburb, Al Abar- Sharjah United Arab Emirates. 

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.”

Sharjah Public Libraries is one of the oldest in the list of libraries that exist in Sharjah. It is also one of the most renowned libraries, an institution that encircles a vast amount of historic and liberal arts expertise. 

The Foresight of Sharjah Library 

The library was born to play a crucial role in promoting education and learning. To develop a keen interest amongst the people to uphold the cultural system by giving information streams and outstanding services to promote worldly events and studies of the centuries amongst the society.

The history behind the Top Sharjah Public Libraries

This library was initially established in 1925 as Qasimi Library by Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi. The library was first rooted in the Sharjah Fort, which was then under the possession of the then ruler to preserve his personal collection of books. The library was passed on to Sheikh Sqr Bin Sultan Al Qasimi after the ruler. The location was then changed in 1956 to another building in the same courtyard of the fort. Later the years after being in possession of several royal members were passed on to Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi the ruler of Sharjah and the Supreme council member. 

It was under his direction that the library was renamed in 1917 and it was moved to the Sharjah Municipality building. The location was however again changed to the Cultural Palace in 1984 and then again to the region of Muwaileh in 1993. 

After so many unstable locations This Library was finally settled in Cultural Square in 2011, and to date is maintained by Sharjah’s Department of Cultural Information.

Sharjah Public Library Rules and Regulations

There are certain rules and regulations that should be followed in the library: 

• Lending and Borrowing at Sharjah Public Library

  • Only Sharjah Library membership holders are permitted for external lending. 
  • Library members below the age of 18 require a parent or guardians’ consent. 
  • Sharjah Library requires the national UAE ID as a membership identification number
  • For the return of books, the library has a facility of 24/7 convenience service at the rear gate of the library. 

• Membership at Sharjah Public Library

  • Membership forms are available in hand and electronically.
  • Annual smart membership fees of AED 25 which also includes the additional facility of e-service at the Sharjah Digital Library. 
  • The library also provides a single membership with insurance that costs AED 150  and allows one to borrow up to 10 items. 
  • Children’s membership costs only AED 50 and allows borrowing of 7 items. 
  • Postgraduate members are permitted to borrow 15 items at AED 150. 
  • The membership also comes for a family costing AED 300 including insurance with which one can borrow 20 items from the library. 
  • Membership fees for the government are AED 500 and for academic professionals, it is AED 1000. 
  • For E-services the annual membership fee is AED 25, which comes with LinkedIn Learning and Kanopy. 

• Renewal at Sharjah Library 

  • All borrowed books are expected to be returned to the library within the period of 15 days from the date of issue to avoid any penalty. 
  • The return period for people with special needs is 21 days. 
  •  The library sends alerts on the registered mobile number and email beyond any delay. 
  • In cases of a delayed return library cards to Sharjah Library can be suspended. 
  • If the delay exceeds six months one may face banishment from the library. 
  • In cases of loss and damage, the library expects the borrower to pay bookbinding fees and three times increased charges for the lost book. 

• Rules and Regulations

The following directions are a part of Sharjah Library’s rules and regulations:

• • Eating, drinking or smoking is strictly prohibited inside the library, except for the designated areas. 
  • Children under the age of 8 years should be accompanied to the library by a parent or guardian. 
  • Visitors aren’t allowed to enter the reception, stores and the technical area without permission. 
  • A suggestion box is installed for any queries, complaints and suggestions to the library. 

Facts about the Sharjah Library

The library showcases a huge variety of books, notes, letters, journals, Scientific Journals, audio-visual aided equipment and other sources of information. 

Sharjah Library tops the list of public libraries in Sharjah UAE. Library members have special access to electronic data through an online portal to go through the library archives and rent books online. 

The new library has been made into an electronically controlled library; with bibliographic listicles and index information, it has been made easier for the readers to access and scroll through the pages. 

Additional Information You Must Know

One must note the following things about the Sharjah Library to keep themselves informed.

Location

Sharjah Library location is situated at the centre of the city of Sharjah; corner of Cultural Square in the Al Abar community. On the south of the cultural square, one can find the Sharjah Airport which is only 17 minutes away and just 15 minutes away from the Al Majaz community. The location is also minutes away from the following places: Dhaid, Dibba Al Hosn, Kalba, Khor Fakkan and Wadi Al Helow. The closest landmark to the library is the Sharjah Library Quran roundabout. 

Timings

Sharjah Library timings are as follows : 

08:00 AM–10:00 PM daily except Friday

Sharjah Library timings during Ramadan : 

09:00 AM–06:00 PM and 09:00 PM–12:00 AM from Saturday to Thursday

Contact Details

Sharjah Library contact is available for any queries or information toll-free at +971-6-516-6888.

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