Sharjah24: In conjunction with the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair, House of Wisdom (HOW) has announced a strategic partnership with the Sharjah Government Employees Club, granting Sharjah government employees access to HOW’s extensive library, which has over 500,000 titles and curated resources to support personal and professional growth.
The new partnership aims to deepen community engagement by offering a rich cultural experience in a community-focused setting, instilling the habit of reading, and reinforcing the institution’s standing as a regional hub of knowledge, promoting reading as an integral lifestyle choice.
Personalised learning and support
Through this collaboration, government employees can enjoy discounts of up to 20% on standard and premium memberships, also benefiting from tailored orientation sessions to help them navigate the centre’s varied resources. This session includes a guided tour of the premises, instructions on using the self-service and return stations, an overview of loan rules, fines, and fees, as well as an introduction to electronic resources and tips for effectively searching the online catalogue. Standard members may borrow up to 12 books for 15 days, while premium members are entitled to borrow up to 20 books for 21 days.
Gateway for personal and professional development
Expressing the institution’s dedication to nurturing curiosity and broadening reading horizons, Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of the HoW, said “Our partnership with the Sharjah Government Employees Club aims to enrich members’ experiences beyond traditional reading and research with the wealth of experiences that HoW offers. We view the pursuit of knowledge as a combination of shared, lived experiences rather than the mere accumulation of information. HoW offers club members access to our extensive library resources, services and hands-on experiences, and our goal is to create an environment that inspires individuals to elevate their ideas and develop skills, aligning with Sharjah’s cultural vision.”
Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Sharjah Government Employees Club, emphasised the club’s commitment to knowledge as the cornerstone of employee development, saying, “Our newly established partnership with the House of Wisdom creates valuable opportunities for our member’s intellectual and cultural growth. This premier cultural centre offers an environment that perfectly aligns with the aspirations of employees seeking personal and professional advancement, particularly those pursuing higher education and striving for excellence.”
The membership allows access to the Espresso Book Machine, which enables them to print high-quality copies of titles from HoW’s collection within five minutes. This offers a convenient way to access their preferred reading material. Further enhancing convenience, members can rent devices such as laptops and tablets for onsite use, with data privacy protected by an automatic deletion feature after each session.
Through this partnership, members gain additional access to the Inter-Library Loan service, which allows them to borrow materials from other local and international libraries. HoW’s offerings also include Little Reader, an educational space designed for children aged 3 to 12, which features a dedicated library, play area, and workshop space, providing an enriching environment that fosters learning and creativity.
Members can reserve Al Rasheed Hall, a flexible venue equipped with cutting-edge technology and direct access to Wisdom Square, the institution’s internal garden. Innovators and creators have the opportunity to utilise Al Jazri FabLab, a digital fabrication lab designed to help them explore new skills and enhance their talents. Additionally, female members can enjoy the Ladies Diwan, a cosy space featuring reading bunks and work booths that provide private areas for reading, relaxation, and productivity.
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