All about the Sharjah House of Wisdom
- House of Wisdom Sharjah Location
- Conventional Library Re-imagined
- Salient Features of Sharjah HOW
- Facilities in House of Wisdom
- Facts about Sharjah House of Wisdom
The emirate of Sharjah was declared the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2019. The House of Wisdom Sharjah honours the emirate’s new title and is an extension of the emirate’s knowledge-based approach to development. Sharjah is known as the cultural hub of the region and the ‘library of the future’ concept will further enhance the emirate’s dedication to innovation, education and learning.
WHERE IS SHARJAH HOUSE OF WISDOM LOCATED?
This new cultural landmark is located near University City, opposite Sharjah International Airport. The House of Wisdom location puts it in close proximity to other educational and cultural centres like the Children’s Museum and the Sharjah Discovery Centre.
IS HOUSE OF WISDOM SHARJAH OPEN FOR PUBLIC?
Sharjah House of Wisdom has been open to the public since 9th December 2020.
UNESCO WORLD BOOK CAPITAL 2019
In 2019, Sharjah was recognised as the UNESCO World Book Capital. It was only the third city in the Arab World and the first city in the UAE to be recognised and awarded this prestigious title.
The project was announced on April 23rd last year by His Highness Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. This cultural centre in Sharjah is built to celebrate the award as well as Sharjah’s cultural journey over the past five decades.
HOUSE OF WISDOM SHARJAH – A CONVENTIONAL LIBRARY REIMAGINED
With digital access to information, conventional libraries have become slightly outdated. Highlighting the need to revolutionise the traditional concept of libraries, H.H. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said,
“All libraries in future need to act as social hubs – places that bring people together, and are shared spaces that support the sharing of experiences, intellectual and creative engagement as well as cultural leadership. While we learn from books, we learn equally through people and their diverse perspectives; through discussions and experimentations.”
House of Wisdom in Sharjah serves that purpose. This iconic library has a social hub and cultural centre for collective learning and development. Sharjah House of Wisdom is all set to stimulate creative and intellectual learning among students, bibliophiles, writers and scholars alike.
HIGHLIGHT FEATURES OF SHARJAH HOUSE OF WISDOM
MORE THAN 100,000 BOOKS
What’s a library without books?
Sharjah House of Wisdom has a collection of 305,000 books, of which 11,000 books are in different languages and 200,000 are digital. There are books in Braille too, to ensure inclusivity for everyone.
Sharjah House of Wisdom also has a Children’s Library – The Little Reader, comprising 3000 books.
A 3D FABRICATION LAB
The House of Wisdom Sharjah has a fabrication lab – Al Jazari Laboratory named after the famous inventor Badi Alzaman Al Jazari. The lab is equipped with a state-of-the-art 3D printer that members can use to work on experimental projects and build prototypes for possible inventions.
A GORGEOUS COURTYARD
Functioning as a beautiful centerpiece, the courtyard is designed as an outdoor social space. Under the open sky and filled with live plants, the House of Wisdom courtyard is where you can enjoy a good book or discussion while surrounded by nature.
EXHIBITION SPACES AND PRIVATE PODS
Besides plants and outdoor reading spaces, the courtyard has private pods on the ground and suspended in the air. These pods can be used for private meetings, classrooms and secluded reading. There is also an auditorium that can serve as a reading space, exhibition space or a space to conduct group lectures and discussions.
AN OUTDOOR LANDSCAPED GARDEN
Sharjah House of Wisdom features a beautifully-designed garden that consists of 331 trees such as ghaf, fig and several varieties of palm.
A UNIQUE FLEXIBLE DESIGN
One of the most unique features of House of Wisdom in Sharjah is its floating roof. Designed by Foster + Partners – a UK-based award-winning architectural firm, the structure boasts a flexible design and a roof that floats with the help of cantilevered overhangs. The building is made of glass and adequately protected against the elements of nature with bamboo shades and the ingenious roof.
A FULL-SERVICE HOUSE OF WISDOM APP
Sharjah House of Wisdom library has recently launched its own mobile app. This application will provide patrons with easy access to all the House of Wisdom services, from reserving books to placing a coffee order at the café.
THE SCROLL
A striking monument known as “The Scroll” has been placed close to the House of Wisdom. This sculpture was designed by UK-based artist Gerry Judah. It weighs 72-tonnes and is 36 metres tall. The Scroll was unveiled when Sharjah was declared as the UNESCO World Book Capital in 2019.
FACILITIES IN THE HOUSE OF WISDOM (HOW) SHARJAH
In addition to all of the above mentioned highlights, House of Wisdom will offer an array of on-site facilities for its patrons. These include:
- Top-level equipment to encourage creativity and innovation
- Espresso Book Machine for on-demand book printing
- A separate reading space for women
- A devoted education space for children
- Dedicated women’s area known as the Ladies Diwan
- An in-house café
- Indoor and outdoor parking spaces
- Lecture halls and meeting rooms
- Kids play area
FACTS ABOUT HOUSE OF WISDOM SHARJAH
- This unique futuristic library is developed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
- This iconic new attraction in Sharjah is constructed over 12,000 sq.m of land, with Sharjah’s prized landmark, The Scroll nearby.
- The ruler of Sharjah and one of the prominent members of the UAE royal family tree, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi inaugurated the library.
FAQs
WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF SHARJAH HOUSE OF WISDOM?
Sharjah House of Wisdom is open from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm from Monday to Sunday.
HOW TO CONTACT SHARJAH HOUSE OF WISDOM?
For more information, you can call Sharjah HofW on +971-6-594-0000
That brings us to the end of this post on House of Wisdom. Along with this facility, book lovers can also find solace at the Sharjah Library, and should definitely consider exploring the unique Beach Library initiative in Sharjah.
Sharjah is an excellent destination when it comes to historic and cultural tourism. The emirate has purposely kept close to its roots and traditions, even in the face of large-scale regional development. Sharjah is a great place to learn about the true essence of the culture and history of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
There are so many things to do in Sharjah – especially for the cultural history buffs. You can visit any of the many museums in Sharjah or head to a souk in Sharjah to experience an enriching combination of the emirate’s past, present and future.
For more on the latest news and updates in Sharjah, stay tuned to MyBayut.
