Sharjah:The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), in collaboration with the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), has initiated a community book drive at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2026, aiming to collect more than 10,000 books. This initiative invites families, children, school students, and book lovers attending the fair to participate and contribute.
According to Emirates News Agency, the book drive, taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah until November 15, seeks to provide more reading materials to children and communities supported by TBHF's humanitarian and education programs. It also promotes a culture of giving and community involvement.
The drive welcomes new and gently used books at TBHF's stand throughout the event. These include picture books, novels, biographies, and various genres, excluding religious texts. The initiative encourages community members to share books they have enjoyed, thus allowing their stories to reach new readers and expand access to reading materials for children, fostering values of solidarity and generosity.
Furthermore, the book drive is part of TBHF's Educate the Heart school competition, which involves students in humanitarian activities, encouraging empathy and social responsibility. It aims to instill the values of giving and solidarity in younger generations, helping them understand that simple acts of generosity can significantly impact others' lives and open new learning opportunities.
Ameera Bin Ofai, Strategy Officer at TBHF, emphasized the initiative's impact, noting that a book does not lose value after being read. Instead, it can continue to inspire and educate others. The books collected will support TBHF's humanitarian and education programs, with initial distributions planned for TBHF Education Centre in Sharjah and a school in Egypt, along with other foundation-supported projects worldwide.
The beneficiaries of this drive will include community centers, children's hospitals, and shared community spaces, promoting reading beyond the classroom. The initiative conveys that every donated book represents an opportunity to share knowledge and the joy of reading, offering books a new life in the hands of other readers.