HoW explores collaboration with National Library of France

Sharjah 24: The House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah hosted His Excellency Gilles Pécout, President of the National Library of France, to strengthen ties and promote knowledge exchange. The visit, organized with the Department of Government Relations (DGR), coincided with the Sharjah Public Library’s (SPL) centennial celebrations.

Expanding collaboration in library sciences and cultural heritage

Discussions focused on fostering cross-border collaborations in library sciences, cultural heritage preservation, and digital knowledge management. The visit highlighted Sharjah’s position as a leading hub for intellectual capital and its commitment to developing next-generation library models that integrate research, technology, and social engagement.

Tour of the House of Wisdom

During the visit, Pécout and the delegation toured the facility with Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of HoW, exploring sections like the Wisdom Vault, which houses rare books and manuscripts, including 646 historic French texts donated by the Ruler of Sharjah.

Strengthening Sharjah’s role as a global knowledge hub

Al Aqroubi emphasised that the participation of global cultural institutions in SPL’s centennial celebrations showcases Sharjah’s role as a knowledge hub. She also highlighted the importance of libraries in promoting sustainable development and fostering dialogue through international collaboration.

The ‘Rumi’ exhibition and student engagement

As part of the visit, the delegation explored HoW’s ‘Rumi: 750 Years of Absence... Eight Centuries of Presence’ exhibition, which showcases the life and legacy of the renowned poet. Pécout also met with students from the École Française Internationale de Sharjah and introduced them to the National Library of France's history and collections.

A new chapter in collaboration

Pécout expressed his admiration for HoW’s innovative approach to modern libraries and its integration of technology. He highlighted the Rumi exhibition and affirmed that the visit marks the beginning of deeper collaboration between the French National Library and Sharjah’s library institutions in cultural, scientific, and academic exchanges.