With more than one million print books in our collections, along with hundreds of thousands of ebooks, it can be hard to figure out where to begin. In this section, we’ll regularly take a deeper dive into the Library’s collections to learn a bit more, including exploring history through the items in our Heritage Library. We’ll also feature other topics that explore various aspects of our Library. All of the items linked in the posts are either available for members to check out or view online. Enjoy!
In the enchanting realm of literature, genres play a vital role in shaping the reading experience. From the heartwarming embrace of emotional narratives to the spine-tingling excitement of adventurous tales, and the intriguing mysteries woven within dark plots, each genre offers a distinct journey for the soul. Within these literary worlds, readers find solace, inspiration, and a place to ponder life's complexities.
The cultivation and enhancement of talent is an essential aspect of life, and educational and cultural institutions play a significant role in discovering and nurturing students' talents at various stages of their lives.
Welcome to the captivating world of chess, a game that has fascinated minds and challenged strategists for centuries.
Did you know that chess is the oldest board game still played in its original form? People have been playing chess for more than 1500 years. The several theories about where chess came from zero in on three regions, India, Persia, and China.
The pieces originally represented the military units common in warfare at that time: infantry, cavalry, elephants, chariots, a general, and a king.
Qatar National Library (QNL) plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental culture and raising awareness of this critical issue through various initiatives, programs, and resources.
Around two million pilgrims have just experienced the most significant and spiritual journeys of their lives, having completed hajj.
It is a moment they will remember forever and proudly tell their family members and friends about and undoubtedly, they will have photographs and selfies documenting their experiences.
In just a few days, millions of pilgrims will stand on Mount Arafat in a magnificent scene that captivates hearts and the lenses of photographers, media outlets, and news agencies from all over the world. The next day, images of the massive crowds of Muslims in ihram clothing on the plains of Arafat will dominate the front page of major newspapers worldwide.
The history of Islam and its historical artefacts are intertwined with the history of the Gulf region, with items associated with hajj and the Kaaba being treated with special reverence and care.
In the permanent collection of Qatar National Library’s Heritage Library, is prominently displayed a 100-year-old piece of the kiswa [covering]– specifically the hizam or the embroidered belt that encircles the Kaaba – that hails from the time of the mahmal, the traditional caravan that once transported the covering to Mecca.
“Storytelling is among the oldest forms of communication. Storytelling is the commonality of all human beings, in all places, in all times.” ― Rives Collins, the Author of The Power of Story: Teaching Through Storytelling
Stories bind us together. In the example of different listeners listening to the same story, they begin to come together through a common experience.
On 2 April every year, the world comes together to raise awareness about autism and to help improve the quality of life of those with autism. As Qatar National Library aims to be one of the world's preeminent centers of learning, it fosters an inclusive learning environment that caters to diverse groups of people. People with autism are one of these vital groups who we value and support through our Library services, events, and programs.
Food often has a religious significance, and many religions have foods that have strong spiritual connections, none more so than dates to Islam.
Christianity uses bread and wine in the eucharist, Hinduism believes that ghee was the sacred food of the Hindu deities the Devas, matzo bread is an integral part of Judaism’s Festival of the Passover, while followers of the Japanese religion Shintoism often leave tofu at shrines, believing that it is a favorite food of the foxes associated with the Shinto deity Inari.