Sharjah: Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) held a series of meetings with book industry and library leaders at the American Library Association (ALA) Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans.
During the event, a SBA delegation highlighted the growing importance of the emirate in relation to library work, the book industry and the world of publishing in general.
The delegation, headed by Ahmad Al Ameri, chairman of SBA, organised meetings with senior library representatives and management experts from around the world to discuss collaborations, partnerships and cooperation opportunities.
Al Ameri said: “Through our participation at these major conferences and exhibitions, we aim to underline the importance of books and libraries in terms of a service to the public, a source of knowledge for intellectuals, a learning place for students and much more.
“Ultimately, libraries provide affordable access to books and enrich communication, extending bridges between different civilisations and culture. Our participation in these events is not limited to short-term agreements and arrangements, it is also a chance for overseas organisations to understand the essential role Sharjah plays as a cultural hub across the region and the greater Arab world.”
He said that the meeting offered a chance to share Sharjah’s great literary events with others from around the world.
“We have invited the representatives we met to attend our events, notably the Sharjah International Book Fair, the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival and the Library Conference. We have enjoyed an excellent response from US librarians and publishing industry leaders, who have shown a great interest in sharing various projects and initiatives.”
The delegation addressed the major themes on the agenda for the 4th edition of the SIBF/ALA Library Conference, which will take place on November 6-8 as part of the 2018 Sharjah International Book Fair, one of the largest book fairs in the world.
Established in December 2014, Sharjah Book Authority is dedicated to encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for knowledge and intellectual exchange between people from different civilisations and cultures.
