In Abu Dhabi, an initiative known as ‘The Little Librarian’ by Maktaba has been making a positive impact on children by involving them in managing libraries, organising books, and searching for information. The aim of the program is to instill a genuine love for reading while cultivating important life skills in children. This initiative encourages children to spend more time in the library, engage in activities like recommending books to their peers, and lead small reading circles. The children learn valuable skills such as time management and resource management through handling the libraries on their own. This program has proven to benefit children and their families, with participants experiencing greater responsibility, enhanced communication abilities, and improved analytical thinking skills.
Despite the digital age, the role of librarians continues to evolve and remain relevant. Librarians play a pivotal role in selecting, organizing, and guiding the use of both digital and physical resources. They help library visitors navigate information landscapes, ensure access to accurate and reliable sources, and support educational and community engagement. The adaptability of a librarian will ensure their relevance in an increasingly digital world. Maktaba has been running several other programs such as ‘Emotional Intelligence’, ‘Children’s Reading Club’, ‘Youth Reading Club’, and ‘Readings in my Childhood’, all aimed at creating a positive impact on children and youngsters.
The ‘Emotional Intelligence’ program focuses on helping children and youth develop skills for managing their emotions and behaviors effectively, including techniques for mood regulation and stress management. The ‘Children’s Reading Club’ aims to develop a love for reading among children through engaging and age-appropriate book selections and activities. The ‘Youth Reading Club’ provides youth a platform for sharing ideas, exploring community stories, and having healthy discussions about books and the themes explored in them. ‘Readings in My Childhood’ features a diverse group of individuals sharing stories from their childhood experiences to create a connection between the past and present.
The families of participants in ‘The Little Librarian’ program have provided positive feedback on how the practical skills taught foster greater responsibility in children, enhance their communication abilities, and improve their analytical thinking skills. The families have emphasized that their children are more confident in engaging with and managing information and resources, reflecting the program’s effectiveness in supporting their overall development. For further details on the schedule of programs, interested individuals can visit the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi website.Overall, initiatives like ‘The Little Librarian’ by Maktaba are essential in promoting a love for reading and developing important life skills in children. The role of librarians continues to evolve in the digital age, with a focus on selecting, organizing, and guiding the use of digital and physical resources. Programs like ‘Emotional Intelligence’ and ‘Readings in my Childhood’ help children and youth develop important skills and create a positive impact on their overall development. By engaging children in managing libraries and encouraging them to spend more time reading, initiatives like ‘The Little Librarian’ are shaping the future of libraries and promoting a culture of reading among children in Abu Dhabi.
