Qatar National Library explores region's literary history in January

On January 2, Dr Noureddine al-Hamidi, professor at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh, will give a lecture on historical libraries in the Islamic world, their misfortunes, the fates of the items they contained, and the subsequent effect on scholarship.On January 15, young adults are invited to join Abdullah al-Shamri from Ibn Taymiyyah Secondary School to learn about how reading can positively impact their personal lives.The "Our Children Matter" series continues on January 11 and 25 with two sessions on the main milestones of motor and sensory development in children ages 2-5, and the ways parents and educators can reinforce this development.Visitors to the Doha International Book Fair on January 17 and 20 can consult with the manuscript team at the QNL’s booth for tips, including on how to choose between multiple versions and editions of manuscript-based books.On January 18, the QNL, in partnership with the French embassy’s cultural service and the French Institute, presents *Afkar: Rethinking Art and Philosophy from the Middle East to the West.The event will present expert panels discussing the cross-view between the Middle East and Europe around the concept of "transfer of studies”, which underlines the importance of the Arabo-Islamic thought process in European intellectual modernity.The monthly "Philharmonic at the Library" concert will take place in the Special Events Area on January 20, featuring a selection of impressions of America by composers from around the world.Literature enthusiasts can enjoy a pair of events around the end of the month.At the January 23 webinar "Novel and Poetry in Arab American Literature”, award-winning authors Sarah M A Gualtieri, Helen Zughaib and George Abraham will discuss past and present Arab American literature.Dr Matthew Stiffler of the Arab American National Museum will deliver the keynote speech.On January 27, the monthly Arabic Book Club will host author Saud Alsan'ousi to talk about his recent novel *Saliha's Camel.Copies of the book are available for borrowing at the User Services Desk.Postgraduate researchers are invited to join the QNL’s Science Majlis on January 29 to offer each other support, trade tips and advice, and share experiences as they progress on their academic journeys.Throughout the month, visitors to the library can explore the exhibition "Arab Immigrants in the US: Pursuing the American Dream", which highlights various aspects of Arab immigration to the US, such as history, causes and cultural conflict, and showcases the enriching impact of Arab literature on its American counterpart.