On a recent visit to Qatar National Library’s Heritage Collection Building, Her Excellency Mrs. Carmen De La Peña, Spain’s Ambassador to Qatar, donated a selection of valuable books in collaboration with the Islamic Library of the Spanish Agency for Cooperation and Development (AECID) and Casa Árabe, a Spanish public diplomacy institution focused on relations with the Arab world.
Qatar National Library (QNL) is a non-profit organization under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF). QNL is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon-based economy to knowledge-based economy by providing resources to students, researchers, and the community in Qatar. It was announced in November 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.
H.E. Mrs. De La Peña was welcomed by Dr. Claudia Lux, Project Director of Qatar National Library, who expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the Ambassador for the generous donation as QNL seeks to bridge cultures with knowledge. This donation marks the latest contribution to the library’s renowned collection, which is reflective of the history of relationships, cultural exchange and scientific advancements between Spain and the Arab World. “This donation constitutes a sample of the resources that both AECID´s Islamic Library and Casa Árabe can make available to Qatar National Library in order to establish a fruitful cooperation,” H.E. Mrs. De La Peña said, “Although the books donated cover a wide range of subjects, all of them reflect the close historical and cultural ties between Spain and the Arab world.” “The donation plays an important role in promoting the historical and cultural exchange between the two nations,” Dr. Lux, Project Director of Qatar National Library said. “It also supports the new Qatar National Library’s vision of bridging with knowledge Qatar’s Heritage and Future. The donated Arabic, Spanish and English books will enrich the Library’s collection, further enhance researchers’ opportunities and provide library members with access to Arab and Spanish cultural and historical knowledge.”
The collection of materials reflect the history of relation and the cultural exchange resulting from the interchange of the Arab and Spanish cultures in diaspora. Topics covered include, a study of architecture in Iraq, sub-Saharan migration, contemporary art, and a book of early medicine.
The collection also includes books from the contemporary epoch like; ‘The Spanish company in the Arab investment experiences and triangulation’ 2009, ‘La empresa española en los países árabes experiencias de inversión y triangulación’, ‘The new Arab capital, major players and opportunities for Spanish companies’, 2013 ‘El nuevo capital árabe, principales actores y oportunidades para empresas españolas’, and ‘Arab contributions to Latin American identities’, 2009 ‘Contribuciones árabes a las identidades iberoamericanas’.
Qatar National Library currently offers access to online databases, emagazines and ebooks through the library’s website; www.qnl.qa and any Qatar Citizen or Resident Permit holder is eligible to access the library’s current online resources.
