Doha:Qatar National Library has announced a comprehensive lineup of events for October, aiming to connect the past with the future and explore different global cultures through the Year of Culture 2026 initiatives.
According to Qatar News Agency, the month-long program begins with a celebration of World White Cane Day on October 3. This event, organized in collaboration with the Al-Noor Center for the Blind, emphasizes the white cane as a symbol of independence and mobility. Through engaging activities and outreach, the event seeks to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity in society.
Every Monday starting October 5, the library will host "Year of Culture 2026: Storytime 'Maryam in Canada,'" an event designed for children. These sessions will showcase stories and an interactive bingo game, celebrating the cultural exchange between Qatar, Canada, and Mexico as part of the 2026 Year of Culture. Children will have the opportunity to explore the cultures of these countries and participate in activities with bingo challenges, offering themed prizes.
On October 14-15, the library will conduct the fifth edition of the "Libraries Lead Forum 2026," focusing on "Reimagining Libraries as Social Infrastructure." This forum will discuss the role of libraries as inclusive community spaces that facilitate connections, bridge the digital divide, and support lifelong learning. A pre-forum workshop on October 13, led by information science expert Dr. Kholoud Ali Sahari, will teach design methods to attendees, helping them reimagine these spaces collaboratively.
Mid-month, the Middle East History Conference will take place on October 19-20, co-organized with North Carolina State University's Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies. This two-day event will gather scholars to discuss the impact of public history and personal and family archives in shaping the region's collective memory.
The historical theme will continue with a lecture by Dr. Giancarlo Casale from the European University Institute on October 26. Titled "The Many Worlds of Hajji Ahmad," the lecture will explore a 1559 Ottoman Turkish world map and its insights into the Ottoman Empire's global connections.
Additionally, the library is accepting submissions for the second cycle of the "Keys to Palestine" community project until December 31, 2026. This initiative encourages artists, writers, and content creators worldwide to contribute personal narratives, photographs, and archival materials to preserve Palestinian community history for future generations.