Dubai: The UAE’s first Italian library has just opened in Dubai and is bringing titles of well-known Italian authors and illustrators all under one roof.
The library was opened by the Consul-General of Italy in Dubai and Northern Emirates, Valentina Setta.
The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) announced contributing several books to the library, which will form part of the International Concept for Education campus.
Dr Marcella Terrusi, representative of the Italy Board on Books for Young People (IBBY Italy), the 2018 Guest of Honour Country of the UAEBBY, spoke at the opening of the importance of the library and how its founding will bring closer cultural ties to both nations.
Dr Terrusi added that while UAEBBY was a relatively young chapter of the International Board on Books for Young People, its enthusiasm, ambition and significant achievements through its projects and campaigns had been an inspiration to other branches of the organisation.
She also emphasised the common goal of bringing children and books together to create a generation of avid readers.
The UAEBBY Guest of Honour programme this year was organised in collaboration with the Italian General Consulate in the UAE, and ICE Dubai. As this year’s guest of honour, IBBY Italy has had an opportunity to connect with the Italian community in the UAE and has played a prominent role in the 10th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), which runs until Saturday at Expo Centre Sharjah.
IBBY Italy had conducted storytelling, illustration workshop and book signing celebrating the opening of the library.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, president of the UAEBBY’s Executive Board, said: “Italy has always been one of the great seats of western literature and we are delighted to see the first-ever Italian library in Dubai. The nation’s passion for literature and art is contagious and we have seen the children at the reading festival completely enchanted during the storytelling.
“This is an excellent chance for our guests to interact with the young UAE audience and gain insights into their reading preferences and habits, helping them to gauge the similarities and opportunities that such close cultural ties provide.
In hosting the Italian delegation at SCRF, the UAEBBY inspires local talent to explore new literature, promote reading across the UAE’s many diverse communities and advocate the rights of children to a general education that includes direct access to information.”
