How to... Make a library in the UAE your next chapter

The National's guide to joining and making the most of the UAE's fine libraries.

Quranic manuscripts at the National Library in Abu Dhabi.

DUBAI // People who like going to the library can use a wide range of facilities across the country.
Dubai has eight public libraries with a total of 430,000 books in a variety of languages, and 350,000 library members and visitors.
Abu Dhabi is home to the country's largest venue, the National Library, which has more than 400,000 titles under one roof.
In addition, there are several independently run libraries across the country. Al Shaheen Library, on Hamdan Street in the capital, has a cheap membership scheme and more than 10,000 books. Membership prices range from Dh50 for four months, and borrowers pay 50 fils to Dh1 for each book they borrow.
The Old Library, in Ductac at Dubai's Mall of the Emirates, has around 18,000 books and 2,000 members. Membership costs Dh250 a year, with a Dh50 joining fee.
"All the money we get from membership goes back into buying books," said Jenny Colquhoun, a volunteer at the library. "We work like a non-profit organisation."
In the capital, the Daly Community Library, in St Andrews Centre, has a collection of 8,000 books.
Many libraries, like Dubai's Public Library Department, also offer internet services and occasional workshops.
"The various public libraries in Dubai, which are regarded as community spaces, have contributed tremendously to the city's cultural and literary activities," said Abdulrahman Ibrahim, head of the department at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
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