Sharjah library turns 100: How Ruler's home turned into a cultural landmark

Khaleej Times

6 days ago

For one hundred years, the Sharjah Public Library has stood as a testament to the emirate's forefathers' thirst for literature and knowledge. It started off as the then ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi's private collection, in 1925.
Today, the library spans across six locations, from the bustling and rich Cultural Square to one set against the backdrop of the Khorfakkan mountains. Each location is a reminder of the library's humble, yet proud, beginnings.
Over the course of a century, the library moved to six different locations under four different owners, beginning in the Sheikh's residence at Al Hisn Fort 100 years ago, which was once the heart of Sharjah's political life. Today, that fort is a museum, surrounded by modern, multi-story buildings at Cultural Square, but its history remains deeply tied to the library's origins.
In 1925, the private collection was formally named 'Al Qasimia Library', remaining in Al Hisn until 1956 when it was relocated to a purpose-built facility in Al Hisn Square. From there, the collection passed from Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi to Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and finally to Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
Under Sheikh Sultan's leadership, the library's reach expanded dramatically. In 1980, it was moved to the upper floor of Africa Hall under the new name Sharjah Library, before finding a temporary home in the Cultural Centre. In 1998, the library moved to University City, and finally, in May 2011, the Sharjah ruler inaugurated the state-of-the-art building at Cultural Square, a brilliant piece of architecture, much like other cultural buildings and educational institutions in the emirate.
Its mission has always been clear: to spark curiosity, encourage education, and preserve culture while providing access to a world of knowledge. From ancient manuscripts to digital lending platforms, the library's resources serve researchers, students, and casual readers alike. With a century of service behind it, it remains committed to inclusion.
Marking the centennial
Since the start of 2025, the Sharjah Public Libraries network has been marking its centennial with a year-long programme of events focused on literature, cultural identity, and sustainability, like workshops on document restoration, poetry evenings, and Arabic calligraphy sessions.
The celebrations will run until the end of the year, in collaboration with over 13 government and cultural entities.