QNL hosts Books and Authors programme

As part of its efforts to enhance the culture movement in the country, in particular authors and publishing, Qatar National Library (QNL) hosted its annual event, Books and Authors, Saturday.

Speaking on behalf of QNL president and Minister of State HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, access services head Katia Medawar, stressed the importance of the event to focus on the key role of QNL in supporting cultural activities and building the society, besides providing authors in Qatar with a platform to present their works and enhance creativity while supporting local culture.

She explained that HE Dr al-Kawari was keen to be present at the event but could not attend as he had another engagement. Medawar stressed the importance of books as the key intellectual product that helps in building civilisations in spite of the spread of sophisticated technology. Besides, there is a close relation between the spread of books and flourishing civilisations as both influence each other positively.

Accordingly, Qatar has paid great importance to spreading knowledge to all with the Qatari Dar Al Kuttob, established in 1962 as the first GCC public library and QNL as the newest national library in 21st century. The official pointed out that the Founder of the State of Qatar Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani was keen to foster culture, literature and spread knowledge in the country as he himself was a poet.

Medawar further noted that this event is part of a QNL series of programmes and workshop set to encourage creativity among both adults and children, in addition to the efforts to make children read books again.

A panel discussion was held with the participation of Dr Khalid al-Jufairi, co-founder and chairman of the American Center for Strategic Affairs (ACISA), a think-do-tank in New York City; Qatari author and novelist Eissa Abdullah, and Asma al-Kuwari, children book writer.

Eissa Abdullah pointed out that challenges facing both the new authors and publishing houses in Qatar. He said that before 2017 all publishers in the country were government or government related, but after that a good number of private publishing houses started business in the country, which helped in reviving the creativity movement.

From among almost 220 works submitted to different publishing houses a year, almost 20 works or less got published. He said that sometimes, new writers are given an opportunity to improve their works, but little of those who could go on and produce something of a real value.

Asma al-Kuwari considered giving young children e-books a big mistake as before the age 12 they should be encouraged to use only printed books. Producing quality books for children with a message and good content has become a big challenge that few authors could undertake, especially when it comes to incorporating local values and culture. She also talked about the challenges to find the right illustrators for locally produced books for children, who can convey the message of the author.

Dr al-Jufairi talked about the process of publishing scientific researches and need to adhere to the authentication procedures to maintain valid academic content.

Laala Y al-Jaber, head of Humanities at QNL, said the event is part of QNL efforts to promote cultural exchange and dialogue. "We hope that this event will bring forward a new generation of authors, taking budding and aspiring writers on a creative and fulfilling journey,” she added.