Over 300,000 items borrowed as Sharjah libraries report surge in user engagement

Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) recorded 188,703 visits and facilitated the borrowing of 307,761 materials between January 2025 and June 2026, according to data released on Tuesday, 18 August. The figures track a period of high engagement following the institution's centenary year in 2025. High Engagement in Centenary Year During 2025, SPL welcomed 133,000 visitors and hosted 388 programmes that drew 22,000 participants. The annual programme schedule included 75 events for youth, 73 for children, 53 for families, and specialized sessions for senior citizens and People of Determination. Borrowing transactions for the year exceeded 208,000 items. The library system expanded its physical collection by adding 27,000 new materials in 2025, bringing the total printed inventory to 827,353 books. Active memberships reached more than 16,000 by the end of the year. Digital engagement also surged, with electronic resources recording 421,000 searches and tens of thousands of views on the PressReader platform. Growth Continues in 2026 The momentum continued into the first half of 2026, with the libraries recording 55,703 visitors and 98,991 borrowing transactions between January and June. During this six-month period, SPL delivered 167 programmes attended by 8,526 participants. Eman Bushlaibi, Director of SPL, stated that the figures indicate the library\'s role as a vibrant space for learning. She noted that the rising use of digital resources shows that the public views libraries as…