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This is the largest reading marathon in Arab libraries, held for three days from February 29 – March 2. It seeks to inspire the society to read in public libraries, believing in the library’s role in enriching the scientific and cultural life. Ithra Center is committed to planting a tree for every 100 pages read, with the ambitious goal of reaching 500,000 pages read this year and contribute to planting 5,000 trees. This year, the marathon will be held with the participation of three Arab libraries for the first time: Ithra’s Library in Saudi Arabia, Alexandria Bibliotheca in Egypt and the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco in Morocco.
Offerings
Ithra’s Library
2nd March 2024
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
All Ages
Arabic, English
Ithra's Library - Saudi Arabia
National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco
2nd March 2024
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
All Ages
Arabic, English
National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco
Alexandria Bibliotheca
2nd March 2024
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
All Ages
Arabic, English
Alexandria Bibliotheca - Egypt
FAQs
How can I participate at the Reading Marathon?
You can participate by visiting us at the Ithra Library (Dhahran), the Alexandria Bibliotheca (Alexandria), or the Bibliothèque Nationale du Royaume du Maroc (Rabat), and registering your information to enter the marathon and receive your participation booklet.
Do I have to visit one of the three libraries to be able to participate?
Yes, participants need to be physically present in one of the hosting centers to count the number of pages read.
Is there a specific age group that is eligible to participate at the Reading Marathon?
No, participation is open to all ages.
Do I have to read Arabic books?
No, you can read book in any language of your preference.
Which books can I participate with?
You can read any book available, or bring a book of your choice provided that you read it in one of the three libraries.
Can I participate with more than one book?
Yes, you can.
Do the hundred pages have to come from one book?
No, you can read the required pages from several books.
When can I come in to participate?
You can visit any of our hosting centers on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from February 29 – March 2 during our working hours.
Can I participate on more than one day?
Yes, you can.
How will the number of pages read be counted?
Participants will register their information before they begin their reading marathon in the reception area, then they will record the number of pages they read in the booklet and head back to the reception area after they finish reading, and based on the number of pages they read they will receive a deserved medal.
Will there be rankings to honor the winners of the Reading Marathon?
No, the Reading Marathon is a community initiative to contribute to achieving the collective goal this year, which is reading half a million pages to plant 5,000 trees, but participants will receive commemorative medals according to the number of pages they read.
Will I plant the tree myself upon reading the required pages?
No, the Center will count the number of trees at the end of the Reading Marathon and overlook the process of planting them in a cooperative effort with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.