EDIT: As of April 2022, Children’s Library is open. However, an in-library ticketing system is currently used during weekends and school breaks to control capacity, on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are free and can be obtained inside the Library. When the Children’s Library reaches full capacity, visitors are asked to wait.
Did you know that Qatar National Library has a special section dedicated to the little ones? It’s the Children’s Library, a place where kids fall in love with reading and explore their curiosity.
The Children’s Library holds a truly impressive collection of over 100,000 books! But it’s not only about books – there are also educational toys, games, online resources, as well as a plethora of events, hosted at the Library (some of the events are currently offered online, until further notice).
And the best part? It’s all free of charge!
But let’s start from the beginning…
Where is the Children’s Library located?
The Children’s Library is a part of Qatar National Library and is located inside it. You can drive there (parking is available onsite), or take a taxi. The great news is that it’s super easy to get there by Metro, too! Just get off at the QNL Metro Station (Green Line) and you will be only a short walk away. Another way to get there is using the Education City tram. The tram is free and you will need to get off at the Multaqa stop.
Here’s the exact location of the Library:
https://goo.gl/maps/Hx5ADW7Pf6PaEr1Q8
What are the opening hours?
The Children’s Library is open Saturday-Thursday, from 8 AM to 6:30 PM.
Fridays: 4 PM – 6:30 PM
*Note that Ramadan timings differ!
Is pre-booking required to visit the Children’s Library?
Not anymore!
Back in the highest peak of the pandemic, you needed to pre-book your visit online. Luckily, those days are behind us now and the Library is once again available on walk-in basis!
Are there any restrictions because of the pandemic?
Yes – there are some rules in place both for the Children’s Library and for QNL in general. They are similar to rules that you will find in place in most indoor public establishments in Qatar.
The most important ones are:
— Green Ehteraz is mandatory for all adults,
— Face masks are obligatory to be worn inside.
Is it possible to borrow books in the Children’s Library?
Yes!
Children can borrow up to 5 books, and adults up to 4. The only requirement is having a QNL membership.
If you’re not a member, it’s super easy to become one. You can either register online (HERE), or head to a customer service desk inside QNL with your QID – the helpful staff will complete your registration. If you’ve registered once and then your membership expired, it can be renewed on the spot, with your new QID.
Is it possible to leave your child at the Library to explore freely, or does the parent need to be present?
It depends on your child’s age!
According to the QNL website:
Due to potential safety hazards for young children left unattended, children under the age of 9 must have a parent or adult caregiver in the immediate vicinity of, and in visual contact with, the child at all times. If the child is attending a closed Library program, the parent/caregiver is expected to remain in the Library building and immediately join the child at the end of the program.
Children ages 9 to 12 may use the Children’s Library on their own, but a parent/caregiver must be present in the building. Children ages 9 to 12 should not be given the responsibility of monitoring younger siblings. In such cases, younger siblings will be escorted by security to the security office until parents are located. This is important for their safety.
Young adults ages 13 to 17 are treated the same as adult users and are allowed to be in the building without an adult. However, they are still legally the responsibility of their parents.
Want to know more?
You can visit the website of the Children’s Library – HERE.
You can also follow them on Instagram – HERE.
I’ve posted many stories from our visit on my own Instagram account, you can find them in the highlights on my profile – HERE.
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— Beaches in Qatar, PART 1. Organizing family beach trips with small kids.
— Beaches in Qatar, PART 2. Three great beaches you’ve probably never heard of. And one to avoid!
— 5 truths about raising an expat child.