House of Wisdom explores cultural ties at Selangor Book Fair

As part of its programme, the House of Wisdom team visited the Selangor Public Library Corporation, where they were welcomed by Director Mastura Muhamad. Discussions centred on expanding cultural and knowledge-based collaborations, supported by the shared values that connect both nations. The team toured the library’s community-oriented facilities and presented a collection of award-winning Arabic books. Mastura Muhamad praised her team’s earlier visit to the House of Wisdom and commended its modern infrastructure, confirming that several features—including the Ladies Diwan—will be included in the library’s expansion plans.

Taking part in international forum on literacy and library innovation

At the Selangor International Forum, held on the sidelines of the fair, Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom, participated in two panel discussions: “Books for the Future: Children’s Content & Global Connection” and “Where Reading Sparks Ideas, and Libraries Spark Changes”. Moderated by His Excellency Dato’ Ahmad Redza Ahmad Khairuddin, President of the Malaysian Board on Books for Young People, the panels featured experts from Malaysia, Korea, and China. Al Aqroubi discussed the evolving role of libraries as vibrant cultural platforms that promote creativity, encourage innovation, and inspire young minds. She emphasised the importance of integrating modern technologies and AI tools into library programmes to keep pace with the rapid growth of digital content.

Libraries as spaces for creativity and global connection

Al Aqroubi highlighted that modern libraries now must provide interactive reading environments, citing House of Wisdom’s programmes—such as book clubs, storytelling, exhibitions, digital labs, and workshops—as ways to support creativity and learning.
She emphasised stories' power to connect children across cultures, fostering empathy between Sharjah and Kuala Lumpur's young readers. She mentioned House of Wisdom’s annual Enchanted Gardens event where outdoor spaces are themed as story worlds like Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, and The Little Prince.

Books and technology: a complementary relationship

Concluding her remarks, Al Aqroubi reaffirmed the enduring significance of books in an age influenced by artificial intelligence. While technology sparks curiosity, she said, it cannot replace the emotional depth and imaginative richness of stories. Books remain vital in fostering empathy, broadening imagination, and enhancing critical thinking among children and young people.

Reinforcing Sharjah’s cultural vision

House of Wisdom’s participation at the book fair demonstrates its ongoing commitment to promoting international cultural cooperation and strengthening the role of libraries as centres of creativity, learning, and social connection. It underpins Sharjah’s broader cultural vision, which regards knowledge as a bridge for communication and a gateway to greater global openness.