Is Reading one of your hobbies? Are you an avid reader? If the answer is yes, you are lucky. Why because Reading strengthens you mentally, spiritually as well as socially. Regular reading improves your confidence and knowledge to a great extent. A good book can be hugely satisfying, can teach you about things beyond your daily horizons, and can create characters so vivid you feel as if you really know them.
After shifting to Dubai, most of you readers would be eager to join in a good library .Lets look at the options you have in Dubai. These include
- Public Libraries
- Private Lending libraries
Public Libraries
The public libraries are
- ICDL Center
- Al Ras Library
- Hor Al Anz Library
- Rashediah Library
- Al Towar Library
- Al Safa Library
- Um Suqaim Library
- Hatta Library
Regulations to join
To join any of the public libraries, you would need to submit a recent photo, passport photocopy and proof of valid residence or UAE/GCC citizenship.The public libraries are open from Sundays to Thursdays from 8am to 9pm.
Membership is only for UAE nationals, GCC nationals, UAE residents or UAE registered companies.
Membership Subscription
Individual and family subscription fee is only AED 50.This fee is valid for 5 years. There is also a refundable security deposit of AED 150 for Individuals and AED 200 for families. For children up to the age of 12 there would be a deposit of AED 75 with no subscription fee.
All the public libraries maintain a separate children’s section which provide a reading hall, activity room and audio-visual facilities ,intended to keep the children fully engaged.
Borrowing books
| Type of membership | Number of library items which can be borrowed at a time |
| Family member ship | 6 |
| Individual Membership | 3 |
| Children | 7 |
| Corporate Membership | 10 |
Free services provided to members
- Internet facilities.
- e-Library facilities.
Paid services in the libraries
- Lamination
- Binding
- Scanning
- Photocopying
Visitors to Dubai will be allowed to read newspapers, magazines and books .They can also use the Internet facilities after paying a nominal fee.
Private Lending libraries
Some famous and well established Private Lending libraries are
- The Old Library’ at Mall of the Emirates,
- Archie’s Lending Library in Karama,
- The House of Prose in Jumeirah Plaza and Ibn Batuta Mall
The Old library
The Library is a part of the Dubai Community Theatre and Art Complex, located at the Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Roadin Al Barsha. Family memberships are provided with a Joining Fee of AED 50 and annual subscription of AED 200. 8 books can be borrowed at one time and can be kept for 4 weeks.
Working hours : Saturday to Thursday: 10 am to 6 pm
Phone : (04) 341 4777 Ext 207
Email : theoldlibrary@hotmail.com
Website : http://www.theoldlibrary.ae/Membership.html
Archie’s Lending Library
This library is located at Karama,Dubai. There is a annual membership fee pf AED 75 (non refundable).There is an annual renewal fee of AED 50 too .In addition to this ,a refundable deposit of AED 100 is required for all books .AED 50 is charged for children’s books only.
Members can borrow 3-4 books at a time which have to be returned within 10 days.
Working hours: Sat-Thu 10am-1.30pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm; && Fri 5.30pm-9.30pm
Phone :04 396 7924
Website :http://www.archies.8m.com/
Dubai Lending Library
This library is located at In Jumeira, Behind Dubai Intl Arts Centre. The membership fee is AED 80 per year for 5 books on a weekly basis and AED 50 per year for 2 books weekly.
Working hours: Every day except Friday 10am -12pm && 4pm -6pm
Phone : 344-6480
House of prose
The House of Prose is located at laza, Jumeirah,Dubai. This functions differently as you are allowed to buy a book at a reasonable price and have the option to keep it or return it .On returning the book you will be given half of the money back.
Working hours: Sat-Thu 9am-8pm && Fri 5.30pm-8pm
Contact details: 04 344 9021
Contact details of some libraries
| Name | Working Time | Contact number |
| Al Ras Library | Sun-Thu: 8am-9pm, Sat: 3pm-9pm | 04 226 2788 |
| Al Rashidiya Library | Sun-Thu: 8am-9pm, Sat: 3pm-9pm | 04 285 8065 |
| Al Safa Library | Sun-Thu: 8am-9pm, Sat: 3pm-9pm | 04 394 7279 |
| Al Towar Library | Sun-Thu: 8am-9pm, Sat: 3pm-9pm | 04 263 0013 |
| DubaiLending Library | Daily except Fridays: 10am-12:00noon; 4pm-6pm | 04 344 6480 |
| Hatta Library | Sun-Thu: 8am-9pm, Sat: 3pm-9pm | 04 852 1022 |
| Hor Al Anz Library | Sun-Thu: 8am-9pm, Sat: 3pm-9pm | 04 266 1788 |
| ICDLCenter | Sun-Thu: 8am-9pm, Sat: 3pm-9pm | 04 348 9572 |
| The Old Library | 10am-6pm Sat – Thu | 04 341 4777 |
| Umm Suqueim Library | Sun-Thu: 8am-9pm, Sat: 3pm-9pm | 04 348 2512 |
Helpful Links
http://www.dubaicityguide.com/site/residents/Libraries-in-Dubai.asp
Membership at ‘The Old Library’ at Mall of Emirates