Qatar National Library: How to be a member and how to borrow or return books

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If you love books and you're still not a member of Qatar National Library, then why haven't you signed up yet? It's free! Do you want to know how? Scroll down to find out.

Note: As per the Cabinet Meeting decision effective from 6 August 2021, public libraries are allowed to open without exceeding 75% of the capacity. This was decided as per the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar.

How to become a Library member?

All Qatari citizen or resident in Qatar can get a free membership card in the Qatar National Library. Just go through the registration process, attach a copy of your QID or resident permit then wait for their email and you're good to go. Membership terms and conditions can be found here.

Member classifications:

Adult (over 18 years old) - Register here
Children and young adults (under 18 years old) - Register here

Information required in the registration are:

Full name
email
Date of birth
Password
Nationality
QID number/expiry date
Mobile
Gender
Preferred language
Notification preference
Address

According to QNL, for children and young adults, parents or legal guardians have to provide a scanned copy of both their QID or RP and that of the dependent and sign the Terms and Conditions Form. The parent's membership card will be linked to the child and young adult membership card.

What are the membership benefits?

Once you're a member, you can borrow books, access the Heritage Library, have FREE access to the Library's online resources, and you can participate in the Library's academic, educational and public programs and events.

You'll also have access to your Library Account which you can use to:

Check your loans and due dates
Check for any items you have requested
Renew items
View any fines, fees or blocks on your account
Check your email notifications about your library account.

How to renew?

Once your QID/RP expires, your Library membership expires too. So once your QID/RP is renewed, email a scanned copy to [email protected] for membership renewal.

What if I lost my membership card?

Lost card replacement costs QR50. Your Library membership and card are non-transferable so make sure to report the loss immediately. You can call +974 44546100 or email [email protected].

How to borrow and return books as per the current Phase of easing restrictions

According to QNL, "to borrow books in this phase of reopening, you need to book a Library visit and request the books in advance through this form at least 2 working days before the time slot you’ve booked for your Library visit. You will also need your Library ID to self-checkout these books.

You can return borrowed items at any time (24/7) using the Drive-Thru Book Return Station in front of the building or the bins that are available at the Library's main entrance for this purpose."

Reopening measures during gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions:

Visits will continue to be allowed by appointment only.
Only 500 people will be allowed in the building during each time slot (8:00 to 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and 3:30 to 8:00 PM), from Saturday to Thursday. The Library will be closed on Fridays.
You can book your visit only through this link on the QNL website. To check out books, you must submit a hold request in advance, as the shelving tiers are closed. Librarians will prepare the books for you to pick up. Click here to request a book.
Only patrons with a green status on the Ehteraz app will be allowed access. Their temperature will also be checked at entry. Visitors are required to wear a face mask at all times.
People over the age of 60 will be allowed into the Library only if they have the gold frame on their Ehteraz app.
DVDs, CDs, iPads, headphones, chargers or other items will not be available.
Visitors must observe social distancing guidelines at all times.
Social gatherings of more than 5 people are strictly not allowed in the Library and will be monitored by our security.
Individual study carrels and computer stations are open and may be used on a first-come, first-use basis, with only one user inside each study carrel.
Patrons can return the items manually at the bins installed at the main entrance of the Library anytime without the need of any appointment, or at the User Services Desk (with an appointment in this case, to be allowed into the building).
Photocopying and printing machines are available to users who already have their own printing cards. The Library will not sell printing cards at this time.
The Children’s Library has been reopened from 25 July 2021, as per QNL, with two time slots, 8:00 – 10:00 and 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM. The Young Adults' Area will also be accessible from 1 August 2021. For everyone's safety, everyone over age 12 must wear a mask at all times.
The Library's restaurant and Safahat café are open with a dine-in of capacity 15%.

More cool content about the Qatar National Library here:

Source: QNL

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