The Dubai Public Library has launched the ‘Alwan Spring Programme,’ a reading initiative aimed at encouraging and promoting a genuine appreciation for the written word.

 

The programme, which derives its name from the Arabic word for ‘colour,’ features an extensive repertoire of activities, held in collaboration with a number of government entitities until April 10.

 

Open to the community, free-of-charge, the initiative is being held at Al Twar Public Library, Al Rashidiya Public Library, Hor Al Anz Public Library, Al Safa Public Library, Al Mankhool Children’s Library, Umm Suqeium Electronic Library, and Hatta Public Library.

 

The Dubai Public Library, which is owned and managed by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the emirate’s dedicated authority for culture, arts, and heritage, will also mark the annual ‘World Book Day’ celebration on April 2, with a reading competition. 

 

To participate, visitors can borrow as many books as they like, and summarise each book in five lines. The reading competition will run until April 6, and the winner of the best summary will be announced on April 10. Winners stand to receive an iPad.

 

Abdulrahman Ibrahim, head of Dubai Public Library, said: “Since its inception, the Dubai Public Library has been committed to providing a nurturing and fostering environment that emphasises on the importance of reading, while equipping participants with imperative life skills, especially among children from a young age. 

 

“Each quarter, the libraries host an array of activities that are aimed at driving interest in reading and writing among children, enabling them to contribute to our evolving literary fabric. ”

 

The initiative will address a cross-spectrum of topics including insights into first aid by the Dubai Ambulance Coroporation, healthcare tips from the Dubai Health Authority and workshop on the emirate’s legal system by the Dubai Courts, besides storytelling sessions, which will take centrestage with recitations of a number of renowned stories.

 

The Canadian Centre for Training and Consulting will highlight the fun in reading and learning to read in English and the Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System (Ucmas) Centre will present a workshop on the mental development of children’s arithmetic abilities using both mental math instead of a calculator; and a drawing workshop dedicated to develop children’s skills. 

 

The UAE Board on Books for Young People, in collaboration with The Dubai Public Library will also host storytelling sessions with award-winning British author of ‘Something Else,’ and winner of the first international Unesco prize for ‘Children’s and Young People’s Literature in the Service of Tolerance,’ Kathryn Cave. - TradeArabia News Service