King Abdulaziz Public Library Releases Children's Stories About Saudi Handicrafts
The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh has released a diverse collection of children's books and stories highlighting various Saudi handicrafts—an essential aspect of the Kingdom's tangible folk heritage. These publications are the result of an active partnership between Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and the King Abdulaziz Public Library, aimed at fostering general cultural awareness among Saudi children. The titles cover a range of crafts, including ceramic and pottery painting and decoration, prayer bead (misbaha) making, palm-frond weaving, incense burner crafting, decorative painting on wood and walls, and hand-printing and decoration on textiles. Regarding palm-frond weaving—an art deeply rooted in Saudi heritage that blends authenticity with creativity—children learn about the craft’s history, production steps, and the differences between handmade and factory-made items. They also discover the basics of this palm-based craft; historically, people relied on palm fronds to create essential household items such as baskets, mats, hand fans, and hats, while also gaining insights into environmental awareness and sustainability. In the section dedicated to ceramic and pottery decoration, children explore the pottery-making process and its role in developing artistic skills and strengthening ties to heritage. They learn about various decorative techniques, such as hand-engraving, painting with natural pigments, block printing, and glazing. Several regions in the Kingdom—including Al-Ahsa, Najran, Al-Qassim, and Tabuk—are renowned for pottery making, a process that involves preparing the clay, shaping, drying, kiln-firing, and finally, decorating and painting. The process of decorating wood and walls—as outlined in books on the craft of decorative painting and coloring on these surfaces—involves several stages: surface preparation, design sketching, coloring and outlining, engraving or carving, adding decorative details, and applying protective finishes. The publishing program at the King Abdulaziz Public Library aims to publish children's books, enrich the library resources available to Arab children, and support and encourage children's book authors and illustrators across the Kingdom and the Arab world. It also seeks to introduce successful international practices to the Arab world through translation, all under the supervision of a committee specializing in children's literature and culture.
Latest New's
View AllStay informed with the latest updates, announcements, and developments from KAPL.






