The Community College of Qatar (CCQ) Library recently held its 1st Annual Book Fair under the theme of ‘Reading is a Way of Life’, as part of its year-round efforts to enrich students’ knowledge through co-curricular activities that promote creative thinking, expression, and innovation. The three-day event, which witnessed the participation of 32 aspiring Qatari publishing houses, aimed to augment students’ on-campus experience, while activating the role of local publishers in extending and disseminating knowledge to stakeholders.
CCQ President Dr. Mohamed Al-Naemi, Vice President Dr. Khalid Al-Abdulqader, and the College Dean Dr. Abdallah Hazaimeh toured the Fair, exploring the variety of titles on offer, and engaging in discussions with guest publishers and visiting students.
Pointing out the vital role of books in learners’ intellectual, personal and social development, Dr. Mohamed Al-Naemi said:
“While digital technology plays an increasingly important role in our lives today, books continue to stand as wells of information that reveal the wisdoms of life, and stimulate our thinking. Our first Annual Book Fair, organized by the CCQ Library, embodies this sentiment and encourages our students and learners to pursue meaningful endeavors that advance their intellectual development, while helping them become more well-rounded individuals.”
He added: “Reading is essential to our students’ holistic learning experience and with the right books, becomes a tool that encourages analytical thinking and creative problem-solving. Both are indispensable assets that help fulfill our mission of providing students with a rich experience throughout their journey at the College, and beyond. We are thankful to all the publishers and our community partners who have participated in this worthy event. With such concerted efforts, CCQ can continue to play an impactful role in the development of our nation by developing the bright minds of its youth.”
The first day of the Book Fair featured a panel discussion on the book, “Qatar: Establishment Journey” with Dr. Omar El-Ajli, Dr. Ali Afifi, and Dr. Mohammed Hammam, followed by a book signing ceremony by CCQ Instructor Dr. Ahmed Abdul Malik, before his lecture, ‘How to be a Writer’. The Fair’s second day focused on broadening the awareness of students through two seminars titled ‘Your Student, His Movement Before Talking’ by Dr. Oraieb Eid and ‘Introduction to Multimedia’ by Dr. Rami Rajab.
Finally, a documentary film was screened on the third day of the event, after which students were introduced to the work of the Protection and Rehabilitation Center (AMAN) through a presentation delivered by Mrs. Hakima Mohammed from NAMA Social Development center. The day also marked the Fair’s final discussion session, titled ‘The covered subjects in the reality of Arab women’ by Dr. Oraieb Eid, and Dr. Omar El-Ajli.
Covering a multitude of fields and disciplines, publishing houses participating in the first edition of the Book Fair included the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press, Jarir Bookstore, Qatar Charity, Qatar University, Children's Literature Center, Bait Al-Maarifa, Dar Lusail, Dar Al-Thaqafa, Samarkand, Joud, Crescent Bookshop, Chapter One Bookstore, Dar Roza Publishing House, Al-Resala Bookshop, and Ibn Al-Qayyim Bookstore.
CCQ engages its students in well-balanced co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and events such as the Annual Book Fair, throughout the academic year. Such initiatives aim to enhance college life for students and complement their academic journey, thus, contributing to a higher graduation rate, year after year.
