Qatar National Library (QNL) is set to host a series of educational, cultural, and community-focused events in May, headlined by the fourth edition of the "Libraries at the Forefront" Forum, scheduled for May 4-5. Held under the theme "Libraries Thrive Together in an Open Ecosystem," the forum will feature specialised training workshops led by a distinguished group of experts and will serve as an important platform for dialogue and exchange. This year's edition will explore how libraries can flourish within an open, collaborative environment through partnerships, innovation, and shared resources, fostering collective prosperity and success.QNL will also participate in the Doha International Book Fair from May 8 to 17, where it will offer a rich array of cultural and interactive activities at its pavilion, catering to visitors of all ages and interests.Throughout the month, the library will continue its "Murshidi" mentoring programme, which provides personalised guidance to young people, students, and recent graduates as they prepare for academic and professional journeys. The program includes one-on-one sessions on university applications, scholarships, and career planning, conducted by expert mentors from Qatar Foundation, its alumni network, and leading national institutions. Sessions will be held on May 3, 10, 17, and 24.On May 5, QNL will host a symposium titled "Feminist Travel Literature: Through the Eyes of Female Travelers: Between Reality and Fiction," celebrating women's contributions to travel literature. The event will explore how feminist narratives have empowered women travelers, reshaped perceptions of the East, and redefined the traditional concept of the "other." On May 11, the Library will resume its "Librarians for Libraries" initiative, aimed at developing the professional skills of librarians in the region through virtual training sessions. Organised by QNL's Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), this month's session will introduce participants to Power BI, focusing on its applications for data-driven decision-making, reporting, and enhancing operational efficiency within libraries.On May 19, renowned journalist P. Sainath will deliver a lecture titled "The Agricultural Crisis in a Time of Unfair Economic Disparities," addressing the economic hardships facing rural India. He will highlight systemic inequities, the plight of small-scale farmers, and the need for sustainable rural development strategies.The library will host an interactive children's workshop, "Idea Factory: A Creative Writing Workshop," on May 21. Drawing inspiration from the Haj journey of the legendary explorer Ibn Battuta, the workshop is designed to nurture children's storytelling abilities, stimulate their imagination, and encourage them to find inspiration in their everyday experiences.Also on May 21, QNL will launch the inaugural session of the "History of the Gulf" lecture series, with a lecture by Dr. Alan Fromherz, Professor of Gulf History and Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Georgia State University. The session will explore the Arabian Gulf's historical significance as a crossroads of civilisations long before the discovery of oil.The Library will conclude its May activities with an intensive two-day workshop on May 28 and 29 titled "Examining British Archival Sources on the History of the Arabian Gulf." The workshop will focus on post-independence records (1968-1994), covering best practices in archival preservation, oral documentation, digital archiving, and ethical interviewing techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to develop practical skills in organising and preserving archival collections, ensuring both accessibility and authenticity, supported by real-world case studies.