The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation in Amman
“An important role in the development of my personality”

While still at school, Nouf Khalifeh liked nothing better than to spend time at the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, even during her school holidays. She is now studying medicine and still benefiting from the library’s services.

By Nouf Khalifeh

My story at the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation began when my father enrolled me at the school next door to the library. I was no older than ten when I was drawn to the library by my passionate love of reading. I would browse the shelves for anything that I found fun or interesting to read.

I have had only positive experiences at the Shoman Foundation. For more than 13 years I have been spending lots of time at the library and between its shelves. When I was still at school I would regularly visit the Shoman Foundation once lessons were over, for example to do my homework there. I would research the library’s databases and read the books that we were discussing in our various science and literature classes. Comfy chairs are the perfect place to start reading immediately. | Photo (detail): © Goethe-Institut Amman I also went to the library during the school holidays to read my favourite books, novels and poems. I was always keen to take part in the library’s weekly activities such as the book club and various workshops.
I even remained loyal to the library once I had left school. Because of my decision to study medicine, and because of the elective courses I chose, the Shoman Foundation was still the best place for me to conduct my research. Thanks to the library’s database, I can access the latest medical findings and research results in a matter of seconds. Nouf Khalifeh takes advantage of the collection for her medical degree | Photo (detail): © Goethe-Institut Amman Once my lectures are finished for the day, I spend most of my time in the library, revising and preparing for exams. I can spend hours in the peaceful and comfortable environment without getting bored. The library has large, quiet reading rooms and other rooms where people can get together to discuss projects and study together.

The Shoman Foundation has played an important role in the development of my personality. To this day, it encourages me to keep reading and learning. The library has become a kind of second home for me. I have spent as much time in the library as another person might spend with their best friend. I hope it stays there forever because it is the ideal place for anyone looking for knowledge, information and culture. Reading under palm trees | Photo (detail): © Goethe-Institut Amman