Qatar National Library opened in 2018 with a vision of becoming one of the world’s outstanding centers of learning, research and culture. Visit this impressive building in Doha to learn about Qatar, see state-of-the-art library features, attend an educational event or browse its extensive range of materials. Many activities and documents are available in English.
Over 1 million books line the marble shelves surrounding the library’s central core. The Heritage Library is of particular interest to history lovers, as it includes rare and valuable items in European and Arabic languages, some dating back as far as the 15th century. Bring kids to the children’s section, with over 100,000 books as well as educational toys and interactive storytelling.
Architect Rem Koolhaas designed the 480,000-square-foot (45,000-square-meter) building to be almost a single room, although a very large one, to make reading accessible and stimulating. He describes it as paper with the corners turned up to create terraces for the books. Step inside to arrive at the central triangular space and gaze in all directions to see how Koolhaas has executed his vision.
The library hosts the Science Book Forum, an innovative approach to encouraging scientific reading in subjects such as climate change, space exploration, renewable energy, desertification and many more. Register online to attend one of the special events when a scientist or scientific author comes to discuss these topics.
Travel by taxi to reach Qatar National Library west of Downtown Doha or drive and park in the Qatar Foundation Ceremonial Court parking lot and take a shuttle to the library. The neighborhood known as Education City is appropriately named, since Qatar schools and satellite campuses for Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, Texas A&M and Virginia Commonwealth School of the Arts universities surround the library.
General library hours are from morning to mid evening, except Fridays when the library remains closed until mid afternoon. Check online or at the library to see when tours of the library and of the heritage collection in English or Arabic will be offered during your stay in Qatar.
