At the esteemed American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) was the only Arab presence. This distinction highlights the UAE’s expanding impact in the world of libraries. Led by CEO Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, the delegation met senior ALA figures, including Executive Director Tracie D. Hall and U.S. Library of Congress President Dr. Carla Hayden, exploring collaborations on professional exchanges, translations, and global publishing partnerships.
During the event, SBA outlined plans for the 10th Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC)—the only ALA-affiliated conference outside the U.S.—scheduled to coincide with the 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair this November. The authority emphasized its roles in building resilience, knowledge-sharing, and adapting to digital-age trends across the Arab region.
Conversations with international publishers and library-tech companies focused on increasing Arabic content, translation initiatives, and adopting innovative library solutions. These engagements reinforce Sharjah’s anchor position as a cultural hub and underscore its influence in shaping future library systems.
Additionally, SBA recently co-hosted the first ALA School Librarians Conference in Sharjah, offering educators and librarians workshops on best practices, student engagement strategies, and the application of AI in school libraries. This underscores the Emirate’s commitment to nurturing literacy from foundational education onward.
