Years of Culture
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2024/02/18
The mission of Qatar National Library is to be a world-leading hub for education, research and culture; and to be an institution that fosters creativity and promotes exploration and discovery.
Set in a spectacular contemporary building designed by Rem Koolhaas, the National Library Qatar houses over one million books, as well as newspapers, special collections and more.
QNL Doha has expansive study spaces and state-of-the-art facilities. The library regularly organises events, workshops, exhibitions and activities for the local community.
New members are encouraged to visit and learn more about all that Qatar National Library has to offer. QNL staff even offer regular tours that highlight the resources and services available at the national library. The highly experienced librarians can support members with research skills and more.
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation first announced the ambitious Qatar National Library project in 2012, and it opened to the public in 2018. QNL Doha was officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar and granted the important status of national library.
Designed by esteemed Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the stunning Qatar National Library building fittingly resembles two pieces of paper, folded diagonally. Spanning 45,000 square metres, the angular design incorporates a mix of materials such as marble in the Heritage library and stainless steel in the more modern section, to emphasise the meeting of past and present.
The main open-plan library space is filled with natural light from the glass facade, and contemporary rows of bookshelves are seamlessly integrated into the design.
All Qatari citizens and residents of Qatar can access free membership to the Qatar National Library. The application can be done online or in-person and a residence permit or Qatari ID is required when applying.
Visiting researchers who are not based in Qatar full time can apply for a temporary membership in order to borrow books from the Library and access QNL library services.
Once they have joined, Members of the Qatar National Library can access a whole world of literature for adults and children, including over a million books from every genre, in numerous different languages. The Heritage Library houses important records and historical books that tell the story of Qatar and the Middle East.
The QNL app is a must-have tool to help visitors get the most out of their library visits. Promising knowledge at your fingertips, the Qatar National Library app is available to download on the App Store and Google Play store. Scan and borrow books using your phone while at the library or renew your borrowed books from within the App. The app provides access to ebooks, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines, lets users reserve study rooms and more.
One of the most impressive libraries in the world, QNL has state-of-the-art technology, including a convenient automated self checkout system. The library has wifi throughout and plenty of audiovisual equipment, computers, tablets and more available.
Qatar National Library Innovation Stations are spaces especially created to encourage creativity, with 3D Printers, photographic equipment, a music studio and the latest design software.
The Children’s and Young Adults’ Library at QNL Doha is a welcoming space for children and their parents to discover new stories and form a life-long love for reading. Qatar National Library houses over 100,000 books for children and teenagers, as well as eBooks and educational games and toys. The library organises hands-on activities and events for families, from storytelling sessions to creative writing workshops and a range of educational programmes from science to theatre. They also offer homework support.
Qatar National Library supports literacy and promotes reading among children and young people. Their skilled librarians are always available to support parents and caregivers with different resources related to childhood.
Qatar National Library is a community space, which aims to positively influence society. As well as dedicated areas for study, performances, young people and screenings, the library has a restaurant and a cafe. There is an exciting year-round programme of events at National Library Doha, for all ages and interests. See the full list of current and upcoming events and exhibitions at QNL on the library website.
QNL is committed to providing free access to books for all, and provides additional support for people with disabilities. The library also has a Sensory Room designed especially for children and adults with additional needs.
“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” - Albert Einstein
The Qatar National Library opening hours are 8:00 am to 8:00 pm from Saturday to Thursday, and 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Fridays. The Children's Library closes earlier at 6:30 pm.
Qatar Library is located in Education City and is easily accessible by Metro with its own dedicated station (QNL) on the Green Line. There is onsite car parking available, although spaces are limited.
Yes, Qatar National Library is free and open to the general public.
Library members and visiting researchers can borrow 6 books at a time, for a standard period of 21 days. Books can be extended
Inter-Library Loans and Institutional Members can borrow a higher number of books. Visit the QNL website for the most up to date information.
The library asks visitors to wear appropriate clothing and avoid shorts, vests, shirts with potentially offensive words or slogans and more. The full Qatar National Library dress code is shared in their code of conduct.
Discover more things to do in Qatar on the Years of Culture website.
