King Abdulaziz Public Library is participating in the 89th session of the World Library and Information Congress, held from August 18 to 22, 2025, in the Kazakh capital, Astana. The event is organized by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and takes place at the Astana Congress Center under the theme: “Unifying Knowledge and Building the Future.”
The library is also participating in the exhibition accompanying the conference with a selection of its publications, introducing its diverse cultural and knowledge programs, and its projects and initiatives in renewing the connection with books, learning buses, the children’s library, and its services in the field of cultural heritage, publishing, cataloging, and translation to and from various global languages. It will also showcase its international translation award and its expertise in the fields of libraries, information, and digital transformation.

The conference includes a series of key lectures and specialized and general scientific sessions.

The library’s participation activates its cultural role, which aims to achieve sustainable cultural development and affirms its role as a future industry for coming generations, as well as its status as a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).

The program of the International Conference of Library Associations and Institutions – IFLA 2025 includes numerous events that bring together over 3,500 participants from more than 120 countries to discuss the latest trends in the library and information sector, innovation, and modern technologies.

The library has participated many times before in most of this conference’s events and its diverse sessions.

King Abdulaziz Public Library

The King Abdulaziz Public Library is a major cultural and research institution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, established in 1985. It was founded to honor the legacy of the nation’s founder, King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, and serves as a vital repository for rare documents, manuscripts, and publications related to Arabian Peninsula history and Islamic heritage.

World Library and Information Congress

The World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) is the annual global conference of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). It serves as a major international forum for library and information professionals to exchange knowledge and discuss global trends. The congress has a long history, with the first IFLA conference being held in Rome, Italy, in 1929.

Astana Congress Center

The Astana Congress Center is a modern convention facility in Kazakhstan’s capital, which opened in 2010. It was designed by renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa and built to host major international events, most notably serving as the main venue for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Summit that same year. Its sleek, contemporary design symbolizes the city’s rapid development and its role as a hub for global dialogue.

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading global body representing the interests of library and information services. It was founded in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1927 to promote international cooperation and the exchange of ideas in the field of librarianship. Today, it advocates for libraries, sets professional standards, and works to ensure access to information for all.

IFLA

IFLA is the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, not a physical place but a global non-governmental organization. It was founded in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1927 to promote international cooperation in the field of librarianship. Today, it represents the interests of library and information services and their users worldwide.

learning buses

“Learning buses” are mobile educational initiatives that repurpose buses into traveling classrooms, often to serve underprivileged or remote communities. The concept gained prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as a grassroots solution to educational inequality and lack of infrastructure. These mobile units provide access to resources, technology, and instruction directly to neighborhoods in need.

children’s library

A children’s library is a specialized institution designed to foster a love of reading and learning in young people. Historically, the first dedicated children’s libraries began to appear in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a mission to provide access to literature and educational resources outside of the school environment. Today, they serve as vital community hubs that offer books, storytelling programs, and creative activities for children and families.

international translation award

The International Translation Award is not a physical place but a prestigious recognition for literary translation excellence, often awarded by organizations like the American Literary Translators Association (ALTA). It was established to honor translators who have made significant contributions to literature by bridging cultural and linguistic divides. These awards celebrate the art of translation and its vital role in fostering global literary exchange.