A vast of information nowadays can be obtained through only just one click. Little we know, that libraries still hold knowledge treasures still not available on the internet. The modern libraries in Qatar offer not only books and journals but also interactive learning facilities and book clubs.
British Council Qatar
The British Council Qatar has a Information Centre with books, magazines, videos, DVDs and internet access.
The British Council and HSBC, working with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) have launched a new initiative in Qatar to bring mobile libraries to children. The modern day mobile libraries at HMC will be stocked with books in English and Arabic to appeal to a range of ages, reading levels and interests in order to bring joy to hospitalised children and their parents.
British Council Qatar is accessible to all visitors.
Location: Zone 38, Street 343, Building 99, Al Saad
Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday 10 Aam – 4 pm and 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm, Thursday and Saturday 10 am – 4 pm. Friday closed.
Contact: 800 5501, 4425 1885 (WhatsApp)
Website: britishcouncil.qa
Institut Français du Qatar
The library or médiathèque at Institut Français du Qatar provides information about different aspects of French and French-speaking culture and civilisation: literary, artistic, social, scientific and technical.
Location: Institut Français du Qatar, French Embassy in Qatar
Opening hours: Weekdays 8:30 am – 7 pm, closed on Friday, Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Contact: 4493 0862/3, 3168 0085 (WhatsApp)
Website: institutfrancais-qatar.com
Maktaba Qatar
As the first public children’s library, Maktaba provides a place to inspire children and their parents to fall in love with reading, learning and the acquisition of knowledge. It is a space where imagination comes to life through books, play, and thoughtfully conceived programming for children of all ages. The library’s primary purpose is to encourage children of all ages towards a love of reading in order to achieve their academic, intellectual and creative goals.
Location: Al Mabahej & Saha 33, Al Mabahej
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 9 am – 6 pm, Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Contact: 4427 8810
Website: maktabaqatar.org
Mathaf Library
The Mathaf Library, or Maktaba in Arabic, is a research library specialising in modern and contemporary Arab art from the region. The library has one of the largest and most comprehensive collection of books and publications on general art history, modern art world wide and art history, with a special focus on the Arab world. Publications are in English, Arabic and a number of other languages. The library is the perfect place for quiet study and research. You will be surrounded by over 7,000 books as well as works of art dotted around the space, and you will have access to free WiFi and free use of a photocopier/scanner. If you are researching one of our temporary exhibitions, our curators, if available, may also be able to assist you. Arabic and English speaking staff are available during opening hours to help locate relevant collections and reference materials for research
Location: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Education City
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm
Contact: 4402 8830
Website: mathaf.org.qa/en/learn/library/
MIA Library
The MIA Library collection consists of specialist books on Islamic art, art reference books, museum collection and exhibition catalogues and monographs, scholarly periodicals on art and related areas including auction house catalogues. We have books in English, Arabic and other languages. Books cannot be borrowed or taken out of the library.
Location: Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
Opening times: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday 10:30 am to 8 pm, Saturday noon – 8 pm, closed on Tuesday and Friday. At other times by appointment.
Contact number: 4422 4444
Website: mia.org.qa/library
National Museum of Qatar Library
The library at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) comprises over 30,000 books with four collections: Rare Books; Special Qatari Heritage Collection, Antique Gastronomy Collection and Object Handling, in addition to the reading room.
Location: National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)
Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm
Contact: 4452 5555
Website: nmoq.org.qa
Qatar National Library
Qatar National Library (QNL) is a non-profit organisation under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF). QNLprovides resources to students, researchers, and the community in Qatar. The library carries out three functions – National Library, University and Research Library, and a Metropolitan Public Library of the digital age. The National Library function collects and provides access to global knowledge relevant to Qatar and the region. It also collects, preserves, and provides access to heritage content and materials about Qatar and the region. The University and Research Library function supports education and research at all levels by providing printed and digital library materials for students and researchers. Metropolitan Public Library delivers library services and information for everyone to enjoy reading, meet people, and become information literate.
Location: Qatar Foundation Education City, Al Rayyan
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday from 8 am – 8 pm, Friday 4 pm – 8 pm
Contact: 4454 6039
Website: qnl.qa
Academic libraries
Academic libraries can be found at the following universities, which are open to the public, but with limited access and may require registration.
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