Qatar National Library has welcomed thousands of book lovers keen to expand their literary knowledge at an interactive space in the heart of this year’s Doha International Book Fair (DIBF). A team of librarians and staff is engaging avid readers, authors, publishers, retailers and educators at the Central Plaza of DIBF and helping them discover more about the Library’s wealth of resources.
Several dignitaries have visited to experience the Library’s offerings since DIBF opened on 9 January, including Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Foundation; His Excellency Ahmad Bin Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, Speaker of the Shura Council; His Excellency Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports; and His Excellency Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications.
Students from Qatari schools have joined visitors of all ages and interests to register for free Library membership and learn how the Library’s vast resources can help them reach their personal learning goals. The Library’s family-friendly educational program has proved deeply enriching and entertaining to children and their parents alike.
“As a family, every year, we look forward to visiting DBIF to be part of the different activities, read the latest books and meet new people,” said Mahmoud Ali, who visited the Library’s space along with his two children. “My children particularly enjoy taking part in the storytelling programs that are being offered here at DBIF and at the Library throughout the year.”
For readers with a special interest in history and heritage, the Library’s librarians are on hand to share more about the selection of Heritage Library manuscripts that are on display. Visitors are also able to see the step-by-step process to digitize historical manuscripts using specialized equipment brought to DIBF from the Library’s Digitization Center.
Hashim Aalem, another visitor at DBIF, was fascinated by the digitization demonstration. “I have heard about the digitization of rare books, but seeing it live has given me a clearer perspective of the valuable work that the Library is doing to make digital copies of historical manuscripts accessible online for anyone to use.”
Visitors have until 18 January to enjoy the activities and books on offer at DIBF 2020. Librarians are welcoming visitors from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM during weekdays and from 3:00 to 10:00 PM on Friday.
