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Doha, November 03 (QNA) - Qatar National Library (QNL) announced a diverse program of events celebrating literature, arts, and cultural heritage in November. From novel-writing workshops to child-focused forums and international conferences, QNL continues to serve as a hub for lifelong learning, creativity, and dialogue. The program kicks off with a month-long challenge that helps aspiring writers draft a 30,000–50,000-word novel. Held in collaboration with the Language Center at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), the challenge is part of the Library's "Write to Inspire" series, which aims to nurture Qatar's literary scene and encourage original writing. The Arabic-language workshop series includes four sessions on 1, 8, 11, and 15 November, offering mentorship and peer support for writers. An English-language version of the challenge will run weekly from 8 to 29 November. On 7 November, QNL invites food enthusiasts to join Argentine Chef Martín Repetto for "Flavor of Argentina – Culture on a Plate," a journey into the heart of Argentine cuisine. On 8 November, QNL will host "Equity for All," a public awareness campaign promoting accessibility and inclusion. The event will feature a keynote by Guinness World Record holder Ahmed Al Shahrani, who will share his experience crossing Qatar by wheelchair. The morning discussion will be followed by an accessibility fair. On 13 November, "Take & Make, Argentina Edition" invites participants to craft handmade cardboard guitars, celebrating Argentina's prominent musical arts heritage. On 15 November, Argentina Storytime: "Manuelita, Where Are You Going?" will transport children into the world of María Elena Walsh, the beloved Argentine author of children's stories and poems. The Storytime will be followed by a creative workshop where kids will craft a character passport. On 18 November, QNL presents the third edition of its series on private libraries, spotlighting the legacy of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Ansari, a distinguished religious scholar and leading Islamic thinker in twentieth-century Qatar. The seminar explores the Al Ansari Library's rare manuscripts and documents, preserving a vital chapter of Qatar's intellectual and cultural renaissance. The event, featuring scholars and family members, highlights the importance of personal collections in shaping national memory. On 20 November, the culinary spotlight turns to "Flavor of Chile, Culture on a Plate," featuring award-winning Chilean chef Francisco Araya. Participants will discover the unique flavors, ingredients, and cultural stories behind Chile's food traditions. On the same day, "Take & Make, Chile Edition" explores Chile's rich symbolism through the craft of ceramic cups, blending tradition with modern design. Also on 20 November, QNL will host its second "Our Children Matter" forum, focusing on early childhood development and education. Experts from Qatar, Singapore, and the Arab world will share practical strategies to support parents, educators, and caregivers in fostering children's social and cognitive development. The Library concludes its dynamic monthly program by hosting the 36th Conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI), a leading regional gathering of library professionals. Held from 23 to 25 November at the Multaqa Student Center in Education City, the conference will feature guided tours of QNL. QNL urged all members of the community to take part in its upcoming events by registering through its website and visiting the events page either online or via the library's app, available on the Apple and Google Play stores. (QNA)
