Qatar National Library (QNL) has announced a diverse programme of events for October, bringing together activities focused on inclusion, cultural exchange, libraries, public history and the preservation of collective memory.
The month begins with a celebration of World White Cane Day on October 3, organised in collaboration with the Al-Noor Center for the Blind. The event will highlight the white cane as a symbol of independence and mobility through engaging activities and collaborative outreach, while raising awareness of the importance of building an inclusive society.
Starting October 5, children can take part in Year of Culture 2026: Storytime “Maryam in Canada”, held every Monday. The sessions celebrate the Qatar, Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture through storytelling and an interactive bingo game. Children will learn about the cultures of the three countries, take part in simple activities and complete bingo challenges for a chance to win themed prizes.
On October 13, a pre-forum workshop led by information science expert Dr. Kholoud Ali Sahari will take place ahead of the fifth edition of the Libraries Lead Forum 2026, which will be held on October 14 and 15. Under the theme “Reimagining Libraries as Social Infrastructure,” the forum will examine how libraries can develop as inclusive, community-centred spaces that strengthen connections, help bridge the digital divide and support lifelong learning.
Public history will take centre stage on October 19 and 20 with the Middle East History Conference, co-organised with North Carolina State University’s Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies. The two-day conference will bring together scholars to examine the role of public history, including personal and family archives, in shaping the region’s collective memory.
On October 26, Dr. Giancarlo Casale, Professor of History at the European University Institute, will deliver a lecture titled “The Many Worlds of Hajji Ahmad.” The lecture will explore the story behind a 1559 Ottoman Turkish world map and what it reveals about the Ottoman Empire’s global relationships.
QNL is also continuing to accept submissions for the second cycle of the “Keys to Palestine” community project. Open to contributors worldwide until December 31, 2026, the project invites artists, writers and content creators to submit personal narratives, photographs and archival materials documenting lived Palestinian experiences and preserving community history for future generations.
