A new feature in the Dubai Public Library smartphone app lets you browse through the library network's collection, pinpointing which branch has the next title on your reading list.
Branded as "Find Your Book", the feature allows users to find and reserve books from any of the emirate's public libraries. The collection spans a variety of titles, from fiction to non-fiction, including books on art, design and business, as well as encyclopaedias and illustrated children's books.
A map feature has also been integrated into the app, allowing users to identify which branch of the Dubai Public Library is closest to them.
Dubai Culture began working on the app’s new features in August 2020.
The updated app, meant to facilitate the process of borrowing books, comes as part of a set of initiatives by Dubai Culture to improve the services provided by its public libraries.
The app’s new features were conceptualised based on ideas received from students participating in the 2020 Young City Makers Championship. The tournament, which was launched in 2017, aims to strengthen the youth’s role in developing government services.
Take a look through the gallery below to see the beautiful and modern Al Safa Art & Design Library:
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Al Safa Art & Design Library is based on Al Wasl Road. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Inside, there are a range of stylish workspaces and reading areas for members. Reem Mohammed / The National -
It's where art, design and literature intersect. Reem Mohammed / The National -
An outdoor courtyard will host a variety of activities during winter. Reem Mohammed / The National -
There are more than 4,000 titles across the adult and children's libraries, spanning both Arabic and English works. Reem Mohammed / The National -
The refurbishment is part of a plan to revamp all branches of Dubai Public Library. Reem Mohammed / The National -
There are a number of spaces where members can work. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Find rare books about design from the region. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Plenty of natural light floods in to the spaces. Reem Mohammed / The National -
There is also a selection of magazines. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Books focus on art and design, but there are also general titles. Reem Mohammed / The National -
A painting of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National -
the library, which originally opened in the 1980s, has been refurbished in a more modern style. Reem Mohammed / The National -
A paper sculpture at the recently reopened Al Safa Art and Design Library. Reem Mohammed / The National -
An Islamic art book displayed at Al Safa Art and Design Library. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Al Safa Art and Design Library offers group workspaces, meeting areas, a cafe, an art gallery, a lounge area and a children’s library. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Reading areas are well lit. Reem Mohammed / The National -
There is also gallery space for artists to host exhibitions. Reem Mohammed / The National
During 2020's iteration of the championship, Dubai Culture organised a workshop at Al Safa Art & Design Library, introducing students to the app and listing its most important challenges. The students were then prompted to come up with solutions, generating a total of 16 ideas to improve the services provided by Dubai Public Library, as well as propose future offerings.
After studying the proposals and evaluating their feasibility and applicability, Dubai Culture approved five initiatives that will be implemented across Dubai Public Library branches.
This includes the Reading Youth Club, which offers a platform to discuss books in one of the library's halls, and My Book is Your Book, which will provide a spot for donating and exchanging books across all branches.
