Dubai is a bustling city known for its luxurious hotels, skyscrapers, and shopping malls. However, it is also home to several impressive libraries that cater to the city’s book lovers. These libraries offer a diverse range of books, from bestsellers to academic tomes, and provide a peaceful haven for those who love to read. In this article, we will explore the best libraries in Dubai that are a must-visit for book lovers.
• Dubai Public Library
The Dubai Public Library is a network of eight branches spread across the city. The library was established in 1963 and has since grown to become one of the most comprehensive public libraries in the region. It has a collection of over 1.2 million books in several languages, including English, Arabic, and French. The library also has a dedicated children’s section that offers a range of books and activities for young readers. The library is open seven days a week, and visitors can borrow up to six books for two weeks.
• The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature Library
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature Library is a unique library that caters to both adults and children. It is located in the Al Quoz area of Dubai and is part of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, which is held annually in Dubai. The library has a collection of over 5,000 books, including bestsellers, classic literature, and children’s books. The library also hosts regular events and workshops, including book clubs and writing courses.
• The Mohammad Bin Rashid Library
The Mohammad Bin Rashid Library is one of the most impressive libraries in Dubai. It is located in the Al Jaddaf area and covers an area of over 66,000 square meters. The library has a collection of over 4.5 million books, making it one of the largest libraries in the world. It also has a state-of-the-art technology center, a dedicated children’s section, and several reading rooms. The library is open to the public and offers a range of membership options for frequent visitors.
• The American University in Dubai Library
The American University in Dubai Library is a modern library that caters to students and researchers. It is located in the Dubai Media City area and has a collection of over 35,000 books, including academic journals and reference books. The library also has several study rooms and a computer lab for students. It is open seven days a week and offers a range of services, including inter-library loan and document delivery.
• The Dubai International Academic City Library
The Dubai International Academic City Library is a specialized library that caters to the academic community in Dubai. It is located in the Dubai International Academic City area and has a collection of over 110,000 books, including academic journals and reference books. The library also has several study rooms and a computer lab for students. It is open seven days a week and offers a range of services, including inter-library loan and document delivery.
• The British Council Library
The British Council Library is a popular library located in the heart of Dubai. It has a collection of over 13,000 books, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. The library also has a dedicated section for English language learners and offers regular events and workshops related to English language learning.
• Hor Al Anz Library is a public library located in the Hor Al Anz area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is one of the branches of the Dubai Public Library network and is managed by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.
The library was opened in 1997 and has since been a popular destination for book lovers in the area. It covers an area of approximately 850 square meters and has a collection of over 100,000 books in several languages, including English, Arabic, and Urdu. The library also has a dedicated section for children’s books, offering a range of educational and entertaining reads for young readers.
• Al Rashidiya Library is a public library located in the Al Rashidiya area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is part of the Dubai Public Library network, which includes several branches across the city and is managed by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.
The library was opened in 2004 and has since been a popular destination for book lovers in the area. It covers an area of approximately 750 square meters and has a collection of over 50,000 books in several languages, including English, Arabic, and Urdu. The library also has a dedicated section for children’s books, offering a range of educational and entertaining reads for young readers.
Like other branches of the Dubai Public Library network, Al Rashidiya Library offers a range of services to its visitors. These services include computer and internet access, printing and photocopying, and reference services. The library also has a reading room where visitors can spend time reading or studying in a quiet and peaceful environment
Al Rashidiya Library is open seven days a week, with extended hours on weekends and public holidays. Visitors can borrow up to six books for two weeks and can renew their borrowing for an additional period of two weeks if required. The library also offers a home delivery service for individuals who are unable to visit the library in person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dubai is home to several world-class libraries that cater to the diverse reading interests and needs of its residents and visitors. From the historic and iconic Etihad Museum Library to the modern and innovative Mohammed bin Rashid Library, there is no shortage of options for book lovers to explore.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to read, study, or work, or are interested in attending engaging events and workshops related to literature, culture, and the arts, Dubai’s libraries have something for everyone. Many of these libraries also offer a range of services, including computer and internet access, printing and photocopying, and reference services, making them valuable resources for the community.