Doha: Qatar National Library (QNL) is poised to deliver a month-long series of events designed to foster cultural exchange, professional development, and community engagement this May. The highlight of the schedule is the fourth edition of the "Libraries at the Forefront" Forum, slated for May 4 and 5, under the theme "Libraries Thrive Together in an Open Ecosystem." This forum will host specialized workshops led by experts, offering a platform for dialogue on how libraries can prosper through open, collaborative practices.
According to Qatar News Agency, QNL will also be a prominent participant at the Doha International Book Fair from May 8 to 17. The library's pavilion will feature a diverse range of cultural and interactive activities tailored to a broad audience.
Throughout May, the library will continue with its "Murshidi" mentoring program, providing one-on-one guidance to young people on university applications and career planning. Sessions are scheduled for May 3, 10, 17, and 24.
Another key event on May 5 is a symposium on "Feminist Travel Literature," which will celebrate women's roles in travel literature and their impact on reshaping narratives about the East.
On May 11, QNL will advance its "Librarians for Libraries" initiative with a virtual training session focusing on Power BI applications for enhancing library operations. This initiative is part of QNL's collaboration with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).
May 19 will feature a lecture by journalist P. Sainath titled "The Agricultural Crisis in a Time of Unfair Economic Disparities," addressing the challenges faced by rural India and the need for sustainable development.
For younger audiences, QNL will host a creative writing workshop on May 21, inspired by Ibn Battuta's travels. This will coincide with the launch of the "History of the Gulf" lecture series, beginning with a session by Dr. Alan Fromherz on the region's historical significance.
The month will conclude with a workshop on May 28 and 29, focusing on British archival sources regarding the Arabian Gulf's history, aimed at developing skills in archival preservation and documentation.