Libraries are evolving beyond their traditional role as places to borrow books, becoming hubs for digital learning, innovation and community engagement. These changes will take centre stage at the 13th Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC), which will be held from November 7 to 9, 2026, alongside the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) in collaboration with the American Library Association (ALA), the conference will bring together professionals from school, public and academic libraries worldwide to discuss how libraries are adapting to rapid changes in education, technology and society.

This year’s programme will examine the growing role of libraries in supporting education, healthcare and artificial intelligence, while exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping access to knowledge. Sessions will also focus on different library models and the ways they can better serve students, educators and local communities.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of Sharjah Book Authority, said the conference reflects a broader vision of libraries as institutions that evolve alongside educational, technological and social change.

“Libraries are essential to the development of individuals and societies,” he said, adding that they play a key role in strengthening lifelong engagement with knowledge while supporting innovation and informed decision-making.

The programme has been designed to address the changing needs of library professionals. According to Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at Sharjah Book Authority, this year’s sessions will provide practical strategies for improving library services, measuring programme impact and building stronger partnerships with schools and community organisations.

The conference will also explore how libraries can adapt to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while continuing to meet the evolving expectations of learners and educators.

Held annually alongside the Sharjah International Book Fair, SILC has become a global platform for professional exchange within the library sector. The event supports Sharjah’s wider ambition to strengthen its position as an international centre for knowledge, publishing and education, while creating opportunities for collaboration among librarians, educators and publishing professionals.

Registration is now open for libraries and educational institutions wishing to participate in the conference.