Books have been a source of knowledge for adults and children alike all over the globe for centuries. However, at a time like today, when everything is becoming increasingly digitalised with a shift towards electronic gadgets, devices, and gaming, sometimes, it feels like the love of books and reading them is slowly disappearing. Not in Qatar, though!
Most of you already know the Qatar National Library and have probably been there, too, but how many of you know that Qatar also has several other libraries that are open to the public?
The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team has put together a list of libraries in Qatar; read on to find out more!
Qatar National Library (QNL) boasts a vast collection of over 1 million books that include fiction, non-fiction, and research, along with over 500,000 e-books, special collections, periodicals, journals, newspapers, and more.
QNL has a specially dedicated space for children that is made up of over 100,000 children's fiction and non-fiction books, educational materials, graphic novels, and magazines that will keep your child busy for hours on end.
Related: 7 things to explore at the Qatar National Library
Maktaba is not a traditional library. It's a space where children and parents can experience various activities such as story reading, crafts, experiments, gardening, and more. Maktaba takes a holistic approach to hands-on learning with its collection of books.
Maktaba Qatar is a space where imagination comes to life through books, play, and thoughtfully conceived programming for children of all ages. The library encourages children to explore the world and use creativity to reflect on their experiences.
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Library has over 21,000 books in Arabic, English, and other languages, making the museum's collections of books on Islamic art one of the largest in the region.
MIA Library also has a varied collection of 2,000 rare books in English and Arabic. Many of these books are unavailable anywhere else in the region. An extensive collection of children's books, including stories, art history, art activities, culture, history, science, and general reference, can also be found in this cosy library.
Note: Books cannot be borrowed or taken out of the library.
The Mathaf Library, or Maktaba in Arabic, is a research library housing a comprehensive collection devoted to modern and contemporary Arab art from the region. The library has one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of books and publications on general art history and modern, focusing on the Arab world. Publications are in English, Arabic, and a few other languages.
The library is a great place for quiet study and research. You will be surrounded by over 7,000 books and works of art dotted around the space.
Note: Books cannot be borrowed or taken out of the library.
Al Khansa Public Library is the first women's library in Qatar and was established in 1981. The library houses around 42,934 books in Arabic and around 5,091 books in English.
The Al Wakra Public Library was established in 1985. The library is made up of around 37,205 books in Arabic and about 2,728 books in English.
The Al Khor Library is situated in the city of Al Khor. It was established in 1977 and comprises around 39,041 books in Arabic and around 4,013 books in English.
Located in the city of Shamal at the northern tip of Qatar, Al Shamal Library was established in 1979 and houses around 60,726 books in Arabic and around 2,779 books in English language.
Originally written by Nabeela Tariq, updated by Cassandra Pallagud
Are you a bookworm or a student looking for research resources? Which of these libraries will you be visiting? Let us know in the comments! Do share this article - it keeps us going!
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