The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is keen on getting little bookworms into the emirate’s public libraries with its new Around the World Summer Programme. The initiative is part of Abu Dhabi Summer Season 2018, and its aim is to encourage children and teenagers to read more during the summer holidays with its range of activities and events featuring international authors, books and cultures from around the world.
The programme will be introduced in Abu Dhabi libraries that you might not have even known existed, including Al Wathba Library, Al Marfa Library, Mazyad Library, Al Bahia Library and Khalifa Park Library, and Al Ain’s Zayed Central Library. A variety of programmes and activities kick off on 1 July and will run until 31 August for children and teenagers of all ages.
The Summer Reading Challenge challenges kids to read 30 books by authors and from nations around the world this summer. Intended for students aged 6 to 16 years old, the 30-book ‘target’ will run throughout the summer. To participate, please visit library.dctabudhabi.ae or register in person when visiting any one of the National Library’s branches.
Additional initiatives include the Young Librarian programme, which will invite children aged 8 – 14 to become librarians for a month at their closest library. Children will be able to experience the inner workings of a library, recommend books to visitors and support the library staff during a 7-hour shift. To register for the Young Librarian programme, please visit library.dctabudhabi.ae. Children participating will also be required to complete and submit a project at the end of their participation.
Beyond fun for bookworms, the Around the World Summer Programme will also offer workshops covering arts & crafts, language, storytelling, and innovation as well as a host of opportunities for youngsters in the capital to stimulate their creativity and learn something new. The workshops will include learning French, découpage, recycling, origami, toy making, interactive theatre, as well as Emirati etiquette, information security in the virtual world, and programming robotics – to name a few. The workshop series will also feature the ‘My First Business’ workshop where participants will learn how to develop a holistic business plan with goals, ideas, financial plan, budgeting, and other concepts that lead to a successful business.
Teenagers and adults also have the opportunity to volunteer and interact with children at any of the six public libraries throughout the programme. Those interested in volunteering can apply via library.dctabudhabi.ae.
All activities are open to children of all ages and are free to attend. Walk-ins are welcome, and no registration is required.
For more information on the Summer Reading Programme, please visit library.dctabudhabi.ae.
