Ibn Rushd Library

Thanks to your support over the past three months, the Ibn Rushd Library has remained a vital source of learning and fun in the Tubas Governorate, West Bank Area C. More than just a room full of books, the library is a safe space where children can enjoy storytelling and art, and express themselves freely.

The library remains a bustling center of activity for children. In September and October, it welcomed approximately 70 children each month. However, November saw a remarkable surge in participation, with over 260 children visiting the space to engage with various programs. Except during the school exams in October, attendance dropped slightly as children balanced their studies with library visits.

Each storytelling session is conducted with a clear goal in mind—to support children’s development and growth, such as building emotional resilience, developing critical thinking, and improving communication skills.

• In one session, older children read a book to the younger ones.

• The session on The School Uniform focused on encouraging solidarity with children in Gaza; participants created drawings and ‘Peace Fans’ to send messages of hope to families there.

• The story of Miaw Miaow was intended to inspire children to think critically.

• The library also emphasized children’s psychology, helping them navigate their emotions and fears. Through the story Khwaif (The Scaredy One), children were encouraged to externalize their anxieties by creating masks of imagined monsters.

• Children also learned about their heritage in the Neighborhood Grandmothers series, discussing the habits of grandparents and exploring the traditions of older generations.

However, being situated in the Al Aqaba Village, the Ibn Rushd Library has its challenges. The security situation remains volatile, with November seeing a curfew in Tubas that restricted movement for families and stopped children from visiting the library. 

Despite these hurdles, the library remains a vibrant hub. To meet the growing interests of our community, it is seeking to expand its collection of young adult novels and art supplies. Your continued partnership ensures that even in the most difficult times, the children of Al Aqaba have a place to dream, learn, and grow.

Thank you for all that you do. 

Thank you for your continued support, which enables the Ibn Rushd Library in Al Aqaba, West Bank Area C, to remain a vibrant hub for learning, joy, and community engagement. Your contributions make it possible for children and families to access books, cultivate their love for reading, and participate in enriching activities.

In July, the library welcomed 46 children, along with local artists and writers who contributed to the cultural atmosphere of the space. The librarian lent out 49 books, with short stories and children’s novels being the most in demand.

The library organized a variety of educational and interactive activities this month:

• In collaboration with the Tamer Institute for Community Education, the library hosted libraries from across the Tubas governorate. Children explored stories from different perspectives and planted the library’s garden. The activity fostered connections among children from different villages and introduced new forms of creative engagement.
• With the participation of the Ministry of Culture office, the children read and discussed Ahlam Bisharat’s story Miaow Miaow, followed by fun activities linked to the tale.
• The library hosted a special activity to shed light on the ongoing hunger and starvation crisis in Gaza and show solidarity with the children and families of Gaza. Children expressed their empathy and awareness through drawing, offering heartfelt messages of support.
• The children read the storybook Seeds. Later on, they tended to the library’s garden by pruning and watering the plants, combining reading with hands-on care for their environment.

Al Aqaba Village continues to face many challenges, such as the restrictions on movement and raids or fear of raids by the Israeli Army that create stress among children and families. In addition, low school attendance over the past two years has made it harder for many children to develop strong reading skills. 

In response to these challenges, the library is introducing new initiatives—starting with a dedicated support program to help children build stronger reading skills and regain their confidence. To further nurture a love of learning, the library also aims to update its space with lively decor, new shelves, and new books.

Every child deserves the opportunity to read, learn, and dream of a brighter future. Thanks to your support, we’re excited to expand these programs and continue nurturing a love of knowledge and creativity among children in Al Aqaba and the surrounding communities.