In 2025, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of cultural and intellectual excellence in the UAE and beyond. With a deep-rooted legacy of preserving knowledge and fostering innovation, SPL has grown to become one of the leading cultural hubs in the Middle East. It provides access to over 791,328 resources and a wealth of global knowledge in various formats, making it an indispensable institution for communities locally and internationally.
Since its founding, SPL has focused on making knowledge accessible and safeguarding important historical materials. The library’s vast collection includes rare manuscripts, books, audiovisual materials, Braille books, and videos, showcasing an exceptional cultural heritage. Today, SPL has expanded its reach by adopting cutting-edge technology, transforming into a global platform offering more than 15 million digital resources. These include e-books, audiobooks, journals, dissertations, and maps in over 10 languages.
SPL’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its diverse offerings, which span 40 foreign languages in addition to Arabic and English, catering to a community of over 117 nationalities.
A highlight of SPL’s collection is its rare manuscripts section, which houses 3,102 unique works, including 912 ancient books and manuscripts in five languages: Arabic, English, French, Persian, and German. Among its treasures is a historic copy of the Holy Quran, believed to have belonged to Caliph Uthman ibn Affan, a replica of which is preserved in Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace Museum. To make these priceless resources accessible, SPL has developed an extensive digital database, allowing researchers worldwide to explore historical manuscripts, books, maps, and documents remotely.
SPL also demonstrates a strong commitment to accessibility for the visually impaired. It has established a specialized hall offering Braille books, e-books, and assistive devices, ensuring equal learning opportunities for all. These initiatives highlight SPL’s mission to make knowledge universally accessible.
The library has also redefined the modern library experience by offering comprehensive digital services, such as electronic borrowing, membership registration, payments, and book returns, all designed to streamline user experience. With the introduction of 24/7 services like drive-through book returns and smart lockers, SPL ensures that resources are available whenever and wherever needed.
