Latest news with #BookMarket
Winnipeg Free Press
25-04-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Always a bestseller, book market returns with hopes of raising $500K
St. Vital Centre's Indigo bookstore may be feeling envious this weekend, as another page peddler takes centre stage. From Friday to Sunday, hundreds of tables carrying some 300,000 books for sale wind through the mall, with nearly every genre and subgenre known to the printed word represented. At least that was the number volunteer Carol Irving, who co-ordinates the Children's Hospital Book Market annual fundraiser, gave on Thursday afternoon. Then came a bigger number — $10 million — when she talked about how much the event has raised in its nearly 65 years. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Co-ordinator Carol Irving (left) and volunteer Donna Paul prepare for the annual Children's Hospital Book Market at St. Vital Centre. 'Beware of the little old ladies in the blue smocks with the white hair,' she said. 'They're powerful. All of them. They know how to organize. They know how to get a job done.' The first sale, in 1961, was held at the brand new Polo Park shopping centre. It raised $1,500, the equivalent of about $16,000 today. Crews of 120 volunteers work in shifts to sling the gently used books to thousands of customers who flow through the mall. The donated books come from all over, and can be dropped off at local fire stations, Daytona Homes' show homes and Dufresne furniture stores. The Children's Hospital Foundation expects the market will raise $500,000 this year for programming, from music therapy to toys and playroom improvements. 'Book Market makes a monumental impact for kids and families in hospital by supporting innovative Child Life programming,' said Jenny Kidder, manager of Child Life, a program designed to support children and their families during medical experiences via emotional aid and therapeutic activities. SUPPLIED The Children's Hospital Book Market at Polo Park in 1966. In Irving's 33 years volunteering with the market, many things have changed as the fundraiser has gained momentum. 'The face of Book Market is different. Now, we have all kinds of people: civil engineers, teachers, nurses,' she said. '(When I started), there were very few men that were involved, but now we have many men … everybody is here for a reason and a purpose.' Irving's authority as a Book Market historian rests on more than her experience co-ordinating the event: three generations of her family have volunteered, with her aunt Dorothy Farris being one of the event's pioneers. 'Children's Hospital Book Market was incredibly important to Dorothy,' said Irving. 'She lost a son to brain cancer, and her therapist suggested for her to grieve and to heal, that it would be very good for her to become involved with an organization that helped sick children.' Irving, who seems quick to give credit for the titanic undertaking to everyone but herself, says Book Market is, above all, a community effort. SUPPLIED The Children's Hospital Book Market in 1971. 'I think the most important thing for people to remember is that for all the many lives that we have touched over the years,' she said, 'we couldn't do that without the support of the citizens of Manitoba and Winnipeg donating books.' The market runs Friday to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Book Market map SUPPLIED The Children's Hospital Book Market in 1966. Conrad SweatmanReporter Conrad Sweatman is an arts reporter and feature writer. Before joining the Free Press full-time in 2024, he worked in the U.K. and Canadian cultural sectors, freelanced for outlets including The Walrus, VICE and Prairie Fire. Read more about Conrad. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CairoScene
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Sharjah Heritage Days 2025 Celebrates Emirati Culture Through February
Events and activities will span seven cities, including Sharjah City, Khorfakkan and Kalba. Jan 30, 2025 The 22nd edition of Sharjah Heritage Days is set to take place from February 12th to 23, 2025, under the theme 'Roots'. Organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, the festival will celebrate Emirati heritage while fostering cultural exchange. Events and activities will span seven cities, including Sharjah City, Khorfakkan and Kalba. This year's edition introduces new cultural venues and events, including the 'Book Market', bringing together 12 libraries and six publishing houses, and the 'Library Centennial Celebration', commemorating the 100th anniversary of Sharjah's first library with an exhibition dedicated to its literary legacy. The 'Roots' exhibit will explore Sharjah's historical milestones, while 'Scents Through the Ages' traces the evolution of perfumery. Sharjah Heritage Days has grown into an international platform, with participation from over 26 countries, including Morocco, China, Germany and the Netherlands. More than 30 governmental and cultural institutions, including UNESCO and ICCROM-Sharjah, will take part. Folk performances will feature prominently, with the largest-ever Al Ayyala show involving 300 artists. The artistic program includes the 'Palm Symphony' operetta, the play 'Mawa'id Arqoub' and the children's theater production 'Island of Wishes'. Live demonstrations by 150 artisans from around the world will also showcase traditional crafts. The festival will also host the 8th GCC Dama Championship, a competition centered around the traditional strategy board game.
Gulf Today
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Heritage Days to take place from Feb.12-23
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) hosted a press conference at the Arab Heritage Centre to unveil the details of the 22nd edition of Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD), set to take place from Feb.12 to 23, 2025. This year's edition promises an exceptional experience under the theme 'Roots,' highlighting the authenticity of Emirati heritage and showcasing the deep cultural and historical connections that bridge the past and present. Through a diverse array of activities and events, the festival will celebrate traditions, customs, and cultural heritage, reinforcing national identity and fostering intergenerational dialogue. The festivities will extend across seven cities in the emirate of Sharjah, starting in Sharjah City from Feb.12 to 23, before moving to Khorfakkan, Mleiha, Hamriyah, Al Dhaid, Kalba, and Dibba Al Hisn. This expansion offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage in diverse environments across the emirate. Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, emphasised that Sharjah Heritage Days reflects the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in preserving heritage and strengthening cultural identity for future generations. He highlighted how the event has grown beyond a traditional celebration of Emirati heritage to become an international platform for cultural dialogue and the preservation of global heritage. Al Musallam explained that this edition aims to offer a more immersive and interactive experience for visitors by introducing new event spaces, launching unique cultural projects such as the 'Book Market' and the 'Library Centennial Celebration,' and expanding participation from folk groups, artisans, and artists. He further noted that the increasing international presence at the festival reflects Sharjah's role as a cultural hub and a leader in heritage preservation on a global scale. Abu Bakr Al Kindi, General Coordinator of Sharjah Heritage Days, emphasised that SHD continues to evolve into a knowledge platform that honours the past, engages the present, and embraces the future. He invited the public to participate in this vibrant and enriching celebration, which seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, reinforcing Sharjah's status as a cultural capital that values its heritage while shaping the future. This year's edition will feature participation from over 26 countries, including GCC nations, as well as Morocco, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, China, Russia, Germany, France, Georgia, and the Netherlands. This broad international engagement reinforces Sharjah's commitment to cultural exchange and collaboration, further solidifying its reputation as a global capital for culture and heritage. More than 30 governmental, academic, and cultural institutions will be involved, including ministries, heritage organisations, and international entities such as UNESCO, ICCROM-Sharjah, the International Organisation of Folk Art (IOV), and the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals (CIOFF). This institutional backing highlights the festival's growing prestige, attracting global experts and scholars in the field of heritage preservation. One of the major highlights of this edition is the inauguration of 'Al Soor Square,' a newly dedicated venue for cultural activities, alongside the centennial celebration of Sharjah's first library, established in 1925. Additionally, the event will feature the launch of the 'Book Market,' bringing together over 12 libraries and six publishing houses, offering a platform to celebrate literary heritage. The festival will also showcase live demonstrations by 150 artisans from around the world, along with the largest Al Ayyala folk performance, featuring 300 folk artists. The artistic programme includes the 'Palm Symphony' operetta, the play 'Mawa'id Arqoub,' and the children's theater production 'Island of Wishes.' The 8th GCC Dama Championship, a traditional strategy board game competition, will be hosted during the event. Additionally, three major exhibitions will take place, including the 'Roots' Exhibition, which explores Sharjah's historical milestones in education, traditional markets, and medical practices. The 'Scents Through the Ages' Exhibition will document the evolution of perfumery across civilisations, while the 'A Century of Libraries' Exhibition will highlight Sharjah's literary and archival heritage dating back to 1925.
Sharjah 24
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
SIH unveils 22nd Sharjah Heritage Days with global participation
This year's edition of the Days promises an exceptional experience under the theme "Roots", highlighting the authenticity of Emirati heritage and showcasing the deep cultural and historical connections that bridge the past and present. Through a diverse array of activities and events, the festival will celebrate traditions, customs, and cultural heritage, reinforcing national identity and fostering intergenerational dialogue. The festivities will extend across seven cities in the Emirate of Sharjah, starting in Sharjah City from February 12 to 23, before moving to Khorfakkan, Mleiha, Hamriyah, Al Dhaid, Kalba, and Dibba Al-Hisn. This expansion offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage in diverse environments across the emirate. Introducing new event spaces, launching unique cultural projects His Excellency Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage , emphasised that Sharjah Heritage Days reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in preserving heritage and strengthening cultural identity for future generations. He highlighted how the event has grown beyond a traditional celebration of Emirati heritage to become an international platform for cultural dialogue and the preservation of global heritage. Dr. Al Musallam explained that this edition aims to offer a more immersive and interactive experience for visitors by introducing new event spaces, launching unique cultural projects such as the 'Book Market' and the 'Library Centennial Celebration,' and expanding participation from folk groups, artisans, and artists. He further noted that the increasing international presence at the festival reflects Sharjah's role as a cultural hub and a leader in heritage preservation on a global scale. Evolve into a knowledge platform that honors the past, engages the present, and embraces the future Abu Bakr Al Kindi, General Coordinator of Sharjah Heritage Days, emphasised that SHD continues to evolve into a knowledge platform that honors the past, engages the present, and embraces the future. He invited the public to participate in this vibrant and enriching celebration, which seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, reinforcing Sharjah's status as a cultural capital that values its heritage while shaping the future. Participation from over 26 countries This year's edition will feature participation from over 26 countries, including GCC nations, as well as Morocco, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, China, Russia, Germany, France, Georgia, and the Netherlands. This broad international engagement reinforces Sharjah's commitment to cultural exchange and collaboration, further solidifying its reputation as a global capital for culture and heritage. More than 30 governmental, academic, and cultural institutions More than 30 governmental, academic, and cultural institutions will be involved, including ministries, heritage organisations, and international entities such as UNESCO, ICCROM-Sharjah, the International Organisation of Folk Art (IOV), and the International Council of Organisations of Folklore Festivals (CIOFF). This institutional backing highlights the festival's growing prestige, attracting global experts and scholars in the field of heritage preservation. Centennial celebration of Sharjah's first library One of the major highlights of this edition is the inauguration of "Al Soor Square," a newly dedicated venue for cultural activities, alongside the centennial celebration of Sharjah's first library, established in 1925. Additionally, the event will feature the launch of the "Book Market," bringing together over 12 libraries and six publishing houses, offering a platform to celebrate literary heritage. The festival will also showcase live demonstrations by 150 artisans from around the world, along with the largest Al-Ayyala folk performance, featuring 300 folk artists. The artistic program includes the "Palm Symphony" operetta, the play "Mawa'id Arqoub," and the children's theater production "Island of Wishes." 8th GCC Dama Championship The 8th GCC Dama Championship, a traditional strategy board game competition, will be hosted during the event. Additionally, three major exhibitions will take place, including the "Roots" Exhibition, which explores Sharjah's historical milestones in education, traditional markets, and medical practices. The "Scents Through the Ages" Exhibition will document the evolution of perfumery across civilizations, while the "A Century of Libraries" Exhibition will highlight Sharjah's literary and archival heritage dating back to 1925. 27 folk groups The festival will bring together 27 folk groups, including seven Arab groups, 15 Emirati groups, and five international groups from India, Russia, Georgia, Macedonia, and Montenegro, representing the diverse range of folklore traditions worldwide. Rich intellectual and cultural programme A rich intellectual and cultural program will accompany the festival, featuring 14 academic lectures and 15 book launches, alongside cultural café discussions and the International School of Storytelling, providing scholars and researchers with an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on heritage and contemporary cultural issues. To ensure a seamless visitor experience, 500 additional parking spaces have been added, along with a dedicated Heritage Days Train to transport guests across the venue. A comprehensive logistical support system, including security, medical assistance, and emergency response teams, has been put in place to accommodate the high number of attendees. The 22nd edition of Sharjah Heritage Days promises to be a unique celebration of tradition and innovation, offering visitors a deeply immersive experience in heritage, culture, and artistic expression. Through its diverse and dynamic programming, the festival continues to position Sharjah as a global leader in heritage preservation, fostering dialogue and understanding between cultures, and celebrating the richness of human history in a contemporary setting.
