Children’s Libraries in Public Parks: A Future Vision in the Emirate of Sharjah as a Model

Abstract

This study presents a forward-looking vision for establishing or activating children’s libraries within public parks in the Emirate of Sharjah. It is based on the idea of using open recreational spaces to promote early reading and to strengthen the child’s relationship with books and libraries. The study begins by emphasizing the importance of reading in the child’s linguistic, social, cognitive, emotional, moral, and aesthetic development, then links this to the need for cultural institutions located close to children in the places they naturally frequent, especially public parks that attract large numbers of children and families. It also explains the role of the children’s library inside the park as a branch of the public library capable of transforming leisure time into an enjoyable educational and cultural experience.

The study then moves to a practical dimension by examining public parks in Sharjah in terms of distribution and location, and by proposing suitable building specifications, equipment, and furniture for children’s library spaces. It further outlines the services and activities that may be offered, including free reading, reader guidance, information services, recreational and cultural programs, storytelling, audiovisual media, drawing and creative arts, competitions, and writing activities. In addition, it discusses the steps required for planning library programs, from defining objectives and target groups to preparing materials, scheduling, evaluation, publicity, and follow-up. The study concludes that the children’s library in the public park can become an effective instrument for developing reading, imagination, and culture when it is carefully planned and aligned with children’s needs and social environment.