Wishing for a Free Public Library in Fujairah

A free public library would be a useful community service for Fujairah.

Knowledge Foundation
In October 2007, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai announced the $10 billion foundation of the ‘Knowledge Complex’ and in so doing he spoke of the importance of translating great books into Arabic. In particular he cited the Kalima Project of ensuring the translation into Arabic of 100 of the most influential books (see the list).

It would be a good start to have these 100 books in Fujairah, available in different languages.

Advice and Ambience
A public library isn’t just a place where people can access the books but where people can seek advice, study and linger in a place surrounded by literature, magazines and newspapers. Online libraries and eBooks will never replace the contribution that such a place and service can offer.

Value to a Community
Need convincing? Read Philip Pullman’s stirring speech on the value of libraries to their communities and to civilization.

Accessible to All
Individuals and organizations can have their personal and company libraries but there’s something important about a dedicated public library to which all residents of the community can belong. Libraries shouldn’t just be the privilege of the rich and the famous or institutions that are the first to close in hard times.

At a time when so many public libraries are threatened by the axe in England, the friends of Somerset’s, Glastonbury’s and Shepton Mallet’s libraries produced this delightful clip to aid their campaign against library closures.

We Love Libraries


Library for Fujairah
A free public library for Fujairah would be a counter cultural move but it would promote knowledge, reading and the building of community.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.