House Of Wisdom. The Library You Won't Want To Leave

by Alexandra Mansilla

House Of Wisdom. The Library You Won't Want To Leave

26 Mar 2024

In Sharjah, near the airport, there is a two-story building that doesn't quite give away its identity as a library at first glance. But once you step inside, you will quickly realise it's a haven filled with books you won't want to leave. It is the House of Wisdom.

If you take a peek at the Google reviews, you will notice plenty of descriptions like "amazing," "marvellous," and "perfect place," among others. It is pretty clear that you won't have any doubts about whether to pay it a visit or not.

A bit of history

In 2019, Sharjah was honoured with the title of UNESCO World Book Capital, a distinction of great significance. This marked Sharjah as the first city in the Gulf region, the third in the Arab world, and the 19th globally to receive such prestigious recognition. To commemorate this achievement, Sharjah embarked on a comprehensive programme of events and activities during its tenure as the World Book Capital.

Central to this programme was the creation of the Sharjah library and cultural centre — the House of Wisdom. Commissioned by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, the House was opened on December 9, 2020, and still symbolises a steadfast commitment to intellectual growth and cultural enrichment.

The mission

As stated on the website of the House of Wisdom, their mission is "to usher in a new era of learning, where information is gained fluidly and seamlessly through everyday interactions, and knowledge is not only consumed but also created in the process of engagement."

The House of Wisdom envisions the library not just as a collection of books, but as a dynamic social hub for learning, driven by innovation and technology.

The building

Designed by Foster + Partners, renowned for their innovative architectural projects, the House of Wisdom spans over 12,000 square metres. And have you seen the roof? Of course, you have; it is one of the first things you notice, because it is huge. The 15-metre-wide overhang offers shade all day long, regardless of the sun's position, making it a perfect escape from the heat.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

Yet, it is not just the roof that caters to the demands of the Arabian climate. The large windows on the facade are equipped with aluminum screens to effectively filter sunlight. Moreover, there are movable bamboo screens that visitors can adjust to reduce glare.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

So, what is inside? Plenty of space. As soon as you enter, it becomes evident.

The ground floor boasts an expansive lobby, exhibition spaces, a café, children's educational areas, an archive, and reading facilities. On the second floor, there are many reading areas. And everywhere, there is an almost endless quantity of books.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

One of the noteworthy features you will see (or may have already encountered if you have searched for "House of Wisdom" online) is "The Scroll" — a sculpture crafted by British sculptor Gerry Judah.

Books to read

The collection is truly vast. As reported by The National a couple of years ago, the library boasts more than 300,000 books catering to all ages and in various languages. Additionally, there is a digital library accessible on the website, and here is our favourite section of children’s books in Arabic. Check it out; it is like taking a journey into the world of cartoons! You can even choose your character there.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

Among these amenities is a book espresso machine, which allows for on-demand printing and binding of materials. Wondering what it is for? If you can't find a specific book in the library, you can just head over to the book espresso machine and print out the book you need. It is connected to a vast database of 6 million books, ensuring you have access to a wide range of titles.

by Alexandra Mansilla