Qatar National Library (QNL) is welcoming the new academic year with a diverse program of events and activities covering academic mentorship, technology, literature, history, music and professional development.
The September calendar begins on September 5 with “The Murshidi Program: Academic and Career Mentoring,” connecting high school and university students as well as fresh graduates with leaders from Education City and other institutions in Qatar. The program will provide one-on-one guidance on university applications and career planning.
Also launching on September 5 is “Skills Hub: Empowering Women,” a three-part series taking place on September 5, 12 and 19. Designed by women for women, the sessions will explore personal finance, AI productivity and critical thinking through interactive activities.
From September 8 to 12, QNL will host “Voices of Keys to Palestine,” a five-day filmmaking workshop for aspiring content creators. The program focuses on documentary storytelling and explores ways to document the Palestinian human experience and preserve its memory for future generations.
On September 9, the “Science Book Forum: AI in Education” will examine the similarities between human and machine learning, while exploring how artificial intelligence can support critical thinking in the classroom.
History and literature will feature prominently on September 17. The interactive session “Diplomacy and Influence: A Reading of the British Presence in the Gulf,” presented by Acting Head of the Department of International Affairs at Qatar University’s College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Aisha Hadi Al Rashdi, will explore the geopolitical footprint of the East India Company through the perspective of early diplomatic practices.
That same evening, QNL will collaborate with the Embassy of Colombia for “Book Chat: The Sounds of Macondo.” Colombian composer Oriana da Marte will combine literary discussion with a live musical performance inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s renowned novel One Hundred Years of Solitude.
Professionals working in regional archives and libraries can take part in “Disaster Risk Management and Preparedness,” a specialized training program running from September 22 to 30.
The Library’s literary discussions continue on September 23 with the Book Chat series featuring Qatari novelist Ali Al Naama, author of Circus of the Greats. Al Naama will discuss his creative journey and his experience bringing a distinctive Qatari voice to English-language fiction.
On September 24, music returns to QNL with “Philharmonic at the Library,” featuring the Qatar Philharmonic Brass Quintet in a special performance celebrating the Years of Culture honoring Mexico and Canada.
The month’s focus on publishing and technology continues on September 26 with the third edition of “Write to Inspire: Books and Authors.” This year’s program will examine the impact of AI on Qatar’s publishing industry, bringing authors and publishers together to discuss ethics, authenticity and creative opportunities linked to emerging digital technologies.
Rounding out the month, the “Qatar Contemporary History Series” will take place from September 26 to 27. Led by Professor Mahjoob Zweiri, the lecture and hands-on workshop will introduce participants to essential research skills, including developing research questions and analyzing primary sources in the study of Gulf history.
Through its September program, Qatar National Library is offering students, researchers, professionals and lifelong learners a broad range of opportunities to learn, engage with new ideas and explore literature, technology, history and culture as the new academic year gets underway.
