Discovering the Ithra Library: A Cultural Marvel Showcased at Sharjah International Book Fair
The Ithra library, an impressive cultural hub in Saudi Arabia and the broader region, has taken center stage at the Sharjah International Book Fair. This renowned library stands as one of the largest in the area, offering an extensive collection of hundreds of thousands of books and eBooks. It marks its debut appearance at the fair, running until November 12, highlighting its diverse cultural resources available for enthusiastic readers locally, regionally, and globally.
Ithra’s mission strives to create a measurable and beneficial influence on human progress by igniting enthusiasm for learning, innovation, and intercultural interaction to shape the Kingdom’s future.
The Ithra library houses an impressive catalog of more than 326,000 books in both English and Arabic. Notably, it is the first digitally integrated library in Saudi Arabia and stands among the most extensive public libraries in the region. Among its offerings, the Ithra Digital Library hosts over 34,000 eBooks and audiobooks in English and Arabic, along with access to more than 7,000 newspapers and magazines.
The library incorporates cutting-edge technologies, such as RFID for simplified book borrowing, a smart book return and sorting system, free internet access, and dedicated research computers.
At the book fair’s dedicated Ithra booth, visitors can experience the world of the Ithra Library virtually, engaging with the Reading Enrichment Program (iRead), a prominent cultural initiative fostering a love for books, reading, and writing within the Arab region.
Moreover, in support of the Sharjah International Library Conference from November 7 to 9, Ithra will host sessions that will highlight how Ithra champions sustainable development through workshops, performances, and events.
Additionally, Ithra will exhibit its services at the Librarians’ Lounge, serving as a dedicated space for global librarians to network and exchange insights on the best library practices and technologies.
