RIYADH: Saudi children’s cultural enrichment is in good hands as King Abdulaziz Public Library continues its project to nurture the nation’s youth.

Focusing on the cultural and intellectual development of Saudi children has been a longstanding strategy of King Abdulaziz Public Library, a report by Saudi Press Agency recently highlighted.

The library aims not only to provide knowledge, but also to prepare children and young adults to become innovative and creative individuals who can compete on a global level.

Its branches in Riyadh focus on children’s literature as a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to nurture generations capable of building a bright future.

From its inception, the library has provided a comprehensive educational environment that enhances children’s cultural and intellectual skills. This is achieved through a variety of efforts and initiatives.

The Children’s Library, established in 1989, provides modern educational programs that blend art, science and innovation and are supervised by specialists in children’s culture in line with global standards.

In 2000, the library launched the Children’s Book Club, allowing young readers to subscribe under their own names and select carefully curated books from more than 1,500 titles by various Arab publishers.

This activity widens their perspectives and fosters their sense of independence and belonging, benefiting thousands of children from different regions of the Kingdom.

The club also offers annual and semi-annual subscriptions, providing books suitable for each age stage and offering special support through free subscriptions for children with special needs as well as orphans.

To broaden access to knowledge, the library has developed a digital site specifically for the book club, where children and educators worldwide can explore notable books for each age group and the latest in Arabic publications, making literature more accessible.

The library’s publications for children, produced by the Children’s Publishing Department established in 2003, include more than 200 titles covering topics on values, identity, culture, knowledge, Saudi, Arab and Islamic heritage, and noble traditions.

Many of these works have been translated into more than 10 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, English and French, reflecting Saudi culture to children worldwide and opening a window into the Kingdom’s history and heritage.

To promote inclusivity, the library has transformed many of these publications into animated films, allowing children to learn through modern technology and animated stories that capture their interest and suit their tastes.

In 2005, the library established the Young Adult Library, creating an educational bridge between childhood and adulthood. It aims to develop young people’s skills and help them discover their potential.

It offers innovation and creativity programs that enable them to transform their ideas into real projects, reflecting their independent vision and critical thinking.

In 2016, King Abdulaziz Public Library launched the Learning Resource Buses, which serve as mobile libraries that reach schools, parks, public gardens and neighborhoods, offering children the opportunity to benefit from books and activities.

To reinforce methodological values in childhood studies, the library has strengthened its academic dimension by focusing on the study of children’s culture.

In 2018, it established a specialized library for postgraduate research in childhood to serve researchers and postgraduate students, encompassing everything related to the world of childhood.

The library’s Children’s Sector employs modern technologies that create an interactive environment, encouraging children to showcase their skills and talents. The technologies included enable children to experience interactive educational activities and 3D printers, allowing them to turn ideas into tangible models, learning design and production skills.

The library also strives to develop children’s creative skills through a wide range of skill-building activities, including arts, literature, crafts and other creative endeavors. These are designed to encourage children to explore their cognitive and intellectual abilities in a fun and interactive way.

Furthermore, the library is dedicated to children with disabilities, the visually impaired, amputees, orphans and the children of martyrs, offering them diverse programs, involving them in cultural exhibitions and publishing books in braille for blind readers.

Theater is also an essential part of the educational experience at King Abdulaziz Public Library, with interactive plays and educational films that stimulate children’s imagination and add an entertaining and educational dimension to their experience.