To provide a platform for learning and discussion, Qatar National Library (QNL) will host a range of engaging events throughout March starting with a free training workshop titled ‘Content is First’. QNL will highlight ‘content’ as being the most important component of social media channels, and explore the best ways to write and deliver material to a target audience.

In collaboration with Qatar Museums, QNL will also host a free, hands-on workshop on the ‘History of the Kufic Script’. The workshop will shed light on the historical importance and beauty of the Kufic script. The workshop will also include a practical training session.

QNL’s March book discussion will focus on ‘The Reason I Jump’ by Naoki Higashida: a rare insight into the behaviour of autistic children. Using a question and answer format, Naoki explains why he talks loudly or repeats the same questions, what causes him to have panic attacks and why he likes to jump. Naoki shows how people with autism possess imagination, humour and empathy, and makes it clear how much they need our compassion, patience and understanding.

In addition, QNL is also organising a free workshop on the ‘English Writing Process’. The workshop is tailored for those who want to deepen their understanding of the stages of English writing. This practical workshop will include an introductory session on the writing process and will allow participants to work collaboratively to brainstorm, create, edit, and develop content.

For QNL’s Music Day, participants can take part in free training sessions on the effective use of selected online music resources, including Naxos, Oxford University Press, OverDrive and ProQuest. These platforms contain audio streaming of music recordings as well as journal articles and eBooks.

QNL will also hold a free training workshop on how to use Microsoft Excel, the world’s most widely used spreadsheet tool. The workshop will provide practical training on Excel’s basic functions, formatting and formulas.

In response to an increasing demand for academic research, QNL is also holding a workshop on research skills that apply to a wide range of disciplines and subject areas. It will cover four modules: Research Tool Kit, Search Strategies & Techniques, Citing Resources, and Writing Research Papers.

Understanding that creating a presentation takes a lot of effort and skill, QNL will be giving a free workshop on designing effective presentations, covering design elements and processes using PowerPoint.

QNL’s ‘Colouring for Adults’ session returns by popular demand, and will explore the new trend of colouring for adults. The hobby, which has taken the world by storm, is likened to meditation as it helps reduce anxiety and increase focus.

Additionally, QNL is also raising its regional profile by participating in the 23rd Annual Conference and Exhibition of Special Libraries Association/Arabian Gulf Chapter (SLA-AGC), taking place from 7-9 March in Bahrain. The forum will be held under the theme: ‘Quality of Library and Information Training and Educational Programmes: The Way Map toward Accreditation’. QNL Executive Director, Dr Sohair Wastawy will discuss the topic of Leadership in the Digital Age at the ‘Library Leadership’ panel during the conference.

As a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), QNL supports Qatar’s journey towards becoming a knowledge-based economy by providing access to a wealth of resources through its comprehensive online databases that are freely available to all residents of Qatar.

For more information on events and to register for QNL’s online resources, please visit qnl.qa.