Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar National Library (QNL) is more than just a collection of books; It is a community and a welcoming space for learning, personal development, and growth for all. This is reflected in the library’s tailored services and spaces that cater to the unique needs of every individual.
From recording your own music to securing study advice, signing up for a free QNL membership—available to all people living in Qatar—comes with many privileges and the opportunity to explore a world full of adventure, fantasy, history, tech and science.
Here’s a list of the key benefits of a Library membership:
Borrow Books
As a member of QNL, you will have access to over a million books, magazines, newspapers, and periodicals – for both children and adults – in 20 different languages.
The history of the Middle East and Qatar in particular will be at your fingertips in the Heritage Library, which houses around 232,000 archival and historical items, including nearly 15.5 million digitised pages accessible online through QNL’s digital repository.
Members also gain access to Qatar Digital Library, which features a wealth of primary historical materials including nearly 2.5 million digital copies of archives, maps, manuscripts, audio recordings, photographs, and drawings.
Downloading QNL’s app offers members additional benefits including immediate access to read e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and newsletters directly on the phone, as well as the ability to instantly borrow printed books during their visit to the library without the need to visit a self-checkout station.
Leverage Innovative Services
If you’re an artist, musician, or producer looking to bring your creative ideas to life, sign up for a membership to leverage the library’s Innovation Stations, which provide access to photographic equipment, 3-D printing, design software and a music studio.
The studio with its diverse musical instruments empowers you to record professional-quality audio and video while the digital production station helps you edit those files, as well as design models which you can later bring to life at the 3-D printer’s station.
Enjoy Dedicated Youth Space
If you’re aged 12 to 18 with a passion for discovery, you are welcome at the Young Adults section of the library.
Prepare for the coming academic year and discover new interests in an interactive environment that combines learning and entertainment with access to over 30,000 fiction and non-fiction books, graphic novels and magazines, musical instruments, state-of-the-art computer labs, study rooms, and workshops.
Children’s Library
Ensure your children gain access to a collection of more than 100,000 books and tens of educational toys that foster their sensorimotor skills through fun activities including interactive storytelling, creative workshops, early literacy programs, book discussions, and science and arts programs.
Tailored guidance and support
As a member, you will receive guidance and support from experts while leveraging the library’s diverse resources.
Working professionals and students aged 18 and over are welcome to request one-to-one writing consultations to help with projects such as essays, dissertations, applications, and creative writing. Additionally, general reference questions can be submitted through the library website.
Researchers can also request a reference help interview with a librarian online or in person.
Institutional membership benefits
Why not encourage your place of work to join, allowing you and your colleagues the chance to read the latest novels and books or access the latest information about your area of business?
Any company, school, or institution in Qatar can apply for the library’s institutional membership for the opportunity to borrow up to 20 print books for 21 days, with the option to renew twice, giving you all plenty of time to read the latest novel and discuss it during your morning coffee break.
