Libraries in Abu Dhabi

Public Libraries are important repositories of human knowledge and heritage. In today’s knowledge-based societies where knowledge and innovation are essential drivers of growth and prosperity, public libraries play an increasingly critical role by satisfying the societal needs and aspirations for inexpensive and easily accessible sources of self-development and continuing education. They also provide an excellent alternative for children and young people who want to spend their pastime in reading, research and other useful activities in a favourable environment.

Public libraries in the UAE can be divided into three categories in terms of their affiliation: libraries that belong to federal entities, such as public libraries of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development (MCYCD), libraries set up by local entities such as the National Library in Abu Dhabi and libraries owned by private clubs and organisations.

In addition, there are libraries that serve certain target groups, such as university and college libraries that primarily cater to the educational and research needs of students and faculty members. All major universities in Abu Dhabi such as UAE University, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi University and Paris Suborn University boast large and state-of-the-art libraries with thousands of titles, reference books and specialised database.

The National Library
Established in 1981, the National Library is responsible for collecting, keeping and organising all national literary information. The National Library comprises nearly 2 million volumes covering books, periodicals, manuscripts and electronic materials. It also contains more than 300,000 titles in Arabic and 100,000 titles in foreign languages. The library offers its services to researchers and readers 14 hours a day. It is also open on weekends. To know more about the National Library click here>>

The UAE Federation Library The UAE Federation Library at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) is one of the largest libraries in the country specialised in disciplines such as military, politics, economic and social affairs. The library is mainly focused on collecting literary materials on the UAE in particular and the Gulf region in general. The library comprises a large number of Arabic and English books, references, encyclopaedias, periodicals, important documents, official reports, maps and electronic database, among other materials. The UAE Federation Library opens its door from Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Public libraries of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development The public libraries of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development (MCYCD) boast a wide variety of printed and electronic information resources in Arabic, English and a number of foreign languages. It offers membership opportunities to both UAE nationals and residents after obtaining the membership card which enables them to access the services offered by the library. The library also provides group membership service to institutions and schools subject to meeting certain requirements. The library is open to public from Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 4 PM to 9:00 PM.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Library Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque houses a unique library dedicated to Islamic books. Located in the third floor of the mosque’s northern minaret, the library contains 3000 titles in various Islamic cultural and scientific disciplines written in over 12 languages. The library has sections for rare books, priceless Arabic manuscripts and rare editions of the Holy Quran printed in Europe between sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is open to researchers, academics and the public. The library is open on weekdays from 8 AM to 8 PM.

Alliance Francaise The Alliance Francaise has a multimedia library comprising more than 12,000 books, 2,500 videos and hundreds of CD ROMs and CDs, as well as a selection of French periodicals. The library is accessible to all, however a membership fee is required if you want to take any book or material out. The operating hours for the library are as follows: Sunday to Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM For questions, please call: +971 2 666 6232 or +971 2 666 9044

Daly Community Library Daly Community Library, opened in 1978, has nearly 7,000 books covering fiction and non-fiction for both children and adults, including new publications and bestsellers that are added regularly. The annual subscription for adults is AED 100 plus an initial joining fee of AED 75 and for children an annual subscription of AED 50 plus a joining fee of AED 40. You find the library at the St Andrews Centre in Abu Dhabi. The operating hours for the library are as follows: Sunday: 3:30 PM -7:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 – 6:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Kitab Bus – The National Mobile Library Kitab Bus, the National Mobile Library, is a project launched by “Kitab” to facilitate easy access to books by taking them right to people’s doorsteps across the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The well-equipped Kitab Bus tours a number of locations across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia including primary schools and public places. To know more about Kitab Bus click here>>

Neighbourhood Libraries The National Library of ADACH is currently opening new branches across the emirate of Abu Dhabi to expand library services to all areas and spread cultural awareness. The four-storey Corniche Library is the largest among this new breed of neighbourhood libraries which offer a wide range of audio-visual materials, viewing screens and internet facilities, as well as self-service options such as self-checkout service. Dedicated areas for children’s book and books on the UAE and Arabian Gulf, exhibitions areas and areas for live performance are some of the main features of these libraries.In addition to the Corniche Library, new libraries are coming up at Abu Dhabi Mall, Mezyad Mall, Al Raha Mall, Al Nahayan Camp and Al Ain Mall.

Khalifa Park Library
Contact: 02 657 6024, 02 657 6178, 02 657 6182
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm and Saturday 4pm to 8pm
Location: Inside Khalifa Park

Mazyad Mall Library
Contact: 02 657 6009, 02 657 6422
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm and Saturday 4pm to 8pm
Location: Mohammed bin Zayed City - Mazyad Mall - Ground Floor

Al-Bahia Library
Contact: 02 657 6074, 02 657 6118, 02 657 6120
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 8pm and Saturday 4pm to 8pm
Location: Al-Bahia Park - Al-Bahia Area

Al-Marfa Library
Contact: 02 657 6014 02, 02 657 6047, 02 657 6015
Opening Hours: From 8am to 8pm
Location: Al Marfa City

Zayed Central Library
Contact: 03 711 8266, 03 711 8265
Opening Hours: From 8am to 8pm
Location: Al Ain, next to Sulaimi Park

Al Wathba Library
Contact: 02 6976425, 02 6576016
Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday from 8am to 4pm
Location: Al Wathba Park, Al Wathba Area

Source: www.abudhabi.ae