Eqlima Ali Dinar here.

Al Safa Public Library, which was renovated in 2019 and renamed Al Safa Art & Design Library, is among the eight community libraries in Dubai. This library holds a special place in my heart because it was conveniently located near my home, and it was where I would often gather with my classmates to work on school projects.

I vividly recall the librarian using the Dewey cards when we inquired about a book for our projects. In the olden days, it was necessary to either write out the content from books by hand or make photocopies of the pages. We spent hours in the library, focusing on writing the paper with perfect handwriting.

The new building is beautiful with natural lighting seeping through high windows and study pods strategically placed to enjoy this amazing ambience. There are workspaces and studios for Art enthusiasts to engage with creative activities and produce their master pieces.

I fell in love with the children’s library designed to encourage children to read with a wide collection of books, and picture books.

Among the vast array of books available, my attention was captivated by poetry, particularly the works of one of the most renowned poets we studied in school. Reading Abu Tayeb al Mutanabbi’s poems again and immersing myself in the realm of Arabic poetry brought back nostalgic feelings. The book has been in the library since 1989!

The Dubai Public Libraries are strategically located in various communities in Dubai, allowing residents to easily access a wide range of books, attend workshops, and unleash their creativity without having to travel far from home. You can find more information about their membership options and fees by visiting their website.

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Every Saturday, we are doing a highlight on the libraries around the UAE. Just in case you missed it, here is our #UAEReads post on the House of Wisdom in Sharjah featured by Eqlima Ali Dinar and Najla Al Owais and a #UAEReads post on the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai featured by Eqlima Ali Dinar.

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About the Guest Contributor for #UAEReads:

Eqlima Ali Dinar is a PhD Candidate in Education Leadership at the United Arab Emirates University. Within her research, she explores topics such as research self-efficacy, and the wellbeing of teachers. Presently, she serves as a tutor in science and biology, as well as a freelance assessor for a Diploma in Education Studies. Initially embarking on her career as a cardiac nurse, she eventually discovered her true passion in the realm of education.

She held a position as an Educational Consultant, providing training to nursery teachers and directors. Prior to that, she had a career as a preschool teacher for nearly a decade. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Sharjah, followed by a Master of Education Management, Leadership & Policy at the British University in Dubai. She enjoys reading books, picture books, and manga. Among her other interests are crocheting amigurumi and origami.

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About the Guest Editor/Curator for March 2024 [#UAEReads]:

Myra Garces-Bacsal has served as a teacher educator for 15 years and has led several research projects on reading and social emotional learning, diverse picturebooks and teacher practices, psychology of high creatives and exceptional people, culturally responsive and inclusive education. She is a quintessential lover and creator of booklists (see her Social and Emotional Learning bookshelf here and other publications below). Myra serves as the Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Studies with the College of Education, UAE University. She is a self-proclaimed nerd who lives and breathes books and enjoys organizing events and festivals where fellow nerds converge and attempt to joyfully change the world.

Publications on booklists:

Garces-Bacsal, R. M., Alhosani, N. M., Elhoweris, H., Tupas, R. (2023). A diverse social and emotional learning booklist for gifted learners and advanced readers. Roeper Review, 45(1), 25-36. https://doi.org/10.1080/02783193.2022.2145397

Garces-Bacsal, R. M., Alhosani, N. M., Elhoweris, H., Al Ghufli, H. T., AlOwais, N. M., Baja, E. S., & Tupas, R. (2022). Using diverse picturebooks for inclusive practices and transformative pedagogies. In M. Efstratopoulou (Ed.), Rethinking Inclusion and Transformation in Special Education (pp. 72-92). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-4680-5.ch005

Garces-Bacsal, R. M. (2021). Of grit and gumption, sass and verve: What gifted students can learn from multicultural picture book biographies. In S. R. Smith’s Handbook of giftedness and talent development in Australasian Pacific (pp. 431-453). Singapore: Springer International Handbooks of Education. https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-981-13-3041-4_18

Garces-Bacsal, R. M. (2020). Diverse books for diverse children: Building an early childhood diverse booklist for social and emotional learning. Journal of Early Childhood Literacy, 22(1), 66-95. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468798420901856