QNL Welcomes Academic Year with Mentorship, Tech Events

September highlights feature the third edition of the "Write to Inspire: Books & Authors" program, exploring the impact of AI on the publishing industry

Doha, Qatar: As the new academic year begins, Qatar National Library invites students, researchers, and lifelong learners to a dynamic month of programs spanning mentorship, technology, and literature.

The calendar kicks off on 5 September with "The Murshidi Program: Academic and Career Mentoring," an initiative connecting high school, university students, and fresh graduates with leaders from Education City and other institutions in Qatar for one-on-one guidance on university applications and career planning.

Launching the same day is the "Skills Hub: Empowering Women," a three-part series designed by women for women. Running on 5, 12, and 19 September, the program features interactive sessions on personal finance, AI productivity, and critical thinking.

Shifting focus to documentary storytelling, the Library hosts "Voices of Keys to Palestine" from 8 to 12 September. Led by Al Jazeera journalist Khaola Bouslam, this five-day filmmaking workshop teaches aspiring content creators how to document the Palestinian human experience and preserve its memory for future generations.

Education and technology merge on 9 September at the "Science Book Forum: AI in Education," a seminar exploring the parallels between human and machine learning, alongside how AI can foster critical thinking in the classroom.

History and literature take center stage on 17 September. First, an interactive session titled "Diplomacy and Influence: A Reading of the British Presence in the Gulf", presented by Dr. Aisha Hadi Al Rashdi, Acting Head of the Department of International Affairs at the College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, explores the geopolitical footprint of the East India Company through the lens of early diplomatic practices. Also taking place that evening, the Library collaborates with the Embassy of Colombia for "Book Chat: The Sounds of Macondo." Colombian composer Oriana da Marte will blend literary discussion with a live musical performance inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s renowned novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude.

Pivoting to specialized industry support, professionals in regional archives and libraries are invited to attend a training program on "Disaster Risk Management and Preparedness," running from 22 to 30 September.

Returning to literary discussions on 23 September, the Book Chat series continues with Qatari novelist Ali Al-Naama, author of Circus of the Greats. Al-Naama will share his creative journey and the experience of bringing a distinctive Qatari voice to English-language fiction.

Live music returns to the venue on 24 September 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 ongoing focus on publishing and technology culminates on 26 September with the third edition of the "Write to Inspire: Books & Authors" program. This year's theme delves into the impact of AI on Qatar's publishing industry, offering a platform for authors and publishers to discuss ethics, authenticity, and creative opportunities associated with emerging digital technologies.

Rounding out the month’s public events, the "Qatar Contemporary History Series" takes place on 26 and 27 September. Led by Professor Mahjoob Zweiri, the lecture and hands-on workshop will equip participants with essential research skills, from formulating questions to analyzing primary sources in the study of Gulf history.

The Library encourages all community members to participate in these upcoming activities. For more information about the Library’s programs and to register for these events, visit QNL website at www.qnl.qa/ar/events or download the QNL app on the App Store or Google Play.