Australia gifts children’s books to QNL

Australia’s Ambassador to Qatar H E Jonathan Muir gifted yesterday a collection of iconic Australian children’s and young adults’ books to the Qatar National Library. The collection includes works by some of Australia’s best-known children’s authors including Mem Fox and Aaron Blabey.

The books include stories from Australia’s European, Asian, and indigenous traditions, highlighting the rich tapestry of its multicultural society. Ambassador Jonathan Muir said: “QNL is one of the world’s great national libraries. What it has achieved here in a few short years is remarkable,” “What struck me as unique about Qatar National Library is its focus on children’s learning and development. My own children have enjoyed the QNL experience on many occasions.”

“I am proud to gift this collection of Australia’s best loved children’s stories — some of which were read to me when I was young — as an enduring connection between Australia and Qatar.” “My hope is that generations of children living in Qatar will enjoy the tales in these books – and learn a little about Australia’s heritage and culture too,” Ambassador Muir said. Commenting on the occasion, H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State, Qatar and President of Qatar National Library said: “Enhancing our Children’s Library collection is key at this time, in order to provide our young readers with engaging and educational content.

This donation of books by the Australian Embassy will complement our efforts to support our young reader’s knowledge of different cultures and traditions, thereby strengthening Qatar’s cultural bonds across borders. We thank the Australian Embassy for their generous donation.” Ambassador Muir thanked Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari for his kind hospitality and congratulated QNL for its impressive contribution to Qatari society.