Book Boulevard will be held at Qanat Al Qasba

SHARJAH — Following Ramadaniat Al Qasba's success last year, the Qanat Al Qasba (QAQ), Sharjah, will once again host the popular event during the coming Ramadan.

By A Staff Reporter

Published: Tue 29 Aug 2006, 8:53 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 6:20 PM

As part of the month-long programme, the QAQ will organise a ‘Book Boulevard’ to raise funds for the needy. It will consist of kiosks to be set up by various bookshops offering latest publications. There will also be a section selling old books, which will be set up by the QAQ charity team.

The Book Boulevard will be located in the plaza adjacent to the Eye of the Emirates overlooking the Qasba Canal.

"We have already received over 15,000 old books as donations from residents and organisations across the UAE in just two weeks. We hope that more and more people will contribute to this charitable cause, the proceeds of which will be collected and distributed by the Red Crescent," said Marwan Al Sarkal, CEO of the Qanat Al Qasba Development Authority.

Books and videotapes in any language and genre are being accepted by the QAQ for the old books kiosks. They will be sold to the public at affordable prices. People can donate their books, which should be in good conditions to the QAQ office in Sharjah, between 9am and 5pm on weekdays. Volunteers are also being recruited for the event. Those who are interested in volunteering for the Book Boulevard team can submit their applications at the QAQ head office.

The Qanat Al Qasba Development Authority is also offering free kiosks for professional book operators at the Boulevard in return for a donation of Dh5,000. These kiosks can be used for selling books, magazines, cassettes, videotapes and software. "The operators of these book kiosks will no doubt benefit from the influx of people visiting the QAQ during Ramadan this year. Last year's Ramadaniat Al Qasba was one of the biggest Ramadan events in the UAE, with 2,500 visitors on an average per day. This year with the additional features, we are expecting more people," he said. A recycling corner will also be set up on the Book Boulevard premises, where paper waste will be collected and sold to a recycling plant, the proceeds of which will be given to charitable organisations.