Public Libraries in Qatar – Explore Reading, Research, and Family Activities
November 26, 2025 | 02:06 PM
Qatar offers a vibrant network of public libraries that serve as hubs for learning, culture, and community engagement. These spaces provide access to extensive collections of books, periodicals, and rare manuscripts, along with programs for children, students, and researchers. Visitors can enjoy reading areas, educational activities, workshops, and cultural events, making public libraries essential destinations for anyone seeking knowledge, creativity, or a quiet place to study across the country.
Public Libraries in Qatar at a Glance
Qatar National Library
Qatar National Library (QNL) is a world-class public library in Education City offering families and children a vibrant space to explore books, learning, and creativity. It features a massive collection of books in multiple languages, dedicated children’s and teens’ sections, interactive learning zones, study rooms, digital resources, and regular workshops, storytimes, and cultural programs. With its stunning architecture, free membership, and wide range of activities for all ages, QNL is one of Qatar’s top destinations for reading, discovery, and educational fun.
- Metro Station
QNL Metro Station – Green Line
MIA Library
MIA Library, located inside the Museum of Islamic Art, offers a quiet and inspiring space filled with rare books, art publications, and educational resources for children and families. The library specializes in topics related to Islamic art, culture, and history, and features a dedicated children’s area with picture books, activity titles, and learning materials. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful reading environment with stunning museum views, making it a unique spot for families to explore knowledge, creativity, and Qatar’s cultural heritage.
- Metro Station
Qatar National Museum Station – Gold Line
Mathaf Library
The Mathaf Library, or Maktaba in Arabic, is a research library specialising in modern and contemporary Arab art from the region. The library has one of the largest and most comprehensive collection of books and publications on general art history, modern art world wide and art history, with a special focus on the Arab world. Publications are in English, Arabic and a number of other languages. The library is the perfect place for quiet study and research. You will be surrounded by over 7,000 books as well as works of art dotted around the space, and you will have access to free Wi-Fi and free use of a photocopier/scanner.
- Metro Station
Education City Metro Station – Green Line
Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum Library
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum Library is the region’s first library fully dedicated to sports, offering over 5,000 books and scientific journals on topics like athletic history, sports law, physical fitness, nutrition, and modern training methods — in both Arabic and English. It also caters to children and young readers, with a rich collection of sport‑themed children’s books, interactive storytelling sessions, sport‑inspired crafts and games, and guided tours for school groups to spark a love of reading and healthy living from a young age. With study spaces and research‑support for older readers and researchers (available by request), QOSM Library provides a unique place for learning, research, and family-friendly discovery in a setting where sport meets culture.
Al Wakra Public Library
Al-Wakra Public Library houses approximately 37,205 books in Arabic and around 2,728 books in English. The library provides a variety of information resources and offers bibliographic and information services to intellectuals and scholars in the region. It also offers external book lending services to its members and welcomes school visits to introduce students to the importance of libraries and how to use them effectively.
- Metro Station
Al Wakra Metro Station – Red Line
- Metro Link
M134, Al Jamiyah 1 Stop
Al Shamal Public Library
Al-Shamal Public Library houses approximately 60,726 books in Arabic and around 2,779 books in English. The library provides various information resources and offers bibliographic and information services to intellectuals and scholars in the region. Additionally, it offers external book lending services to its members, regularly hosts cultural activities and lectures, and welcomes school visits to introduce students to the importance of libraries and how to use them effectively.
- Location
Ruwais
- Website
- Phone
- Timing
7:00AM – 1:30PM
AlKhansa Public Library
Al‑Khansa Public Library is Qatar’s first women’s public library, offering a welcoming space for children, women, and students to explore knowledge and culture. It houses a rich collection of books in Arabic and English, provides on-site reading and study areas, and offers external lending services for members. The library also hosts educational programs, cultural activities, and school visits, encouraging reading, learning, and creativity.
- Location
D-Ring Road, Hilal
- Website
- Phone
- Timing
7:00AM – 1:00PM
Al Khor Public Library
Al-Khor Public Library houses approximately 39,041 books in Arabic and around 4,013 books in English. The library offers book lending services to its members and provides a range of information services tailored to intellectuals and scholars in the region. Additionally, it regularly hosts cultural activities and lectures and welcomes school visits to introduce students to the significance of libraries and effective usage.
- Location
Al Khor, near Tio Sea Resort
- Website
- Phone
Dar Al-Kutub Al-Qatariya
Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariyya, established in 1962, is one of the oldest public libraries in Qatar and a landmark in the Gulf region’s cultural history. Originally serving as the central repository for Qatari publications, it housed thousands of books, manuscripts, periodicals, and historic newspapers, becoming a key resource for researchers, students, and the public. Over the decades, the library evolved into a cultural hub, supporting education, intellectual growth, and heritage preservation. After the opening of the Qatar National Library, Dar Al Kutub was renovated and reopened in 2025, maintaining its historic character while offering modern facilities. Today, it continues to serve as a center for learning and research, showcasing Qatar’s rich literary and cultural legacy to visitors and the community.
- Website
- Phone
Maktaba Children's Library
Maktaba Children’s Library is a cozy, community-focused library in Qatar dedicated to nurturing a love for reading and creativity among young children. Designed especially for early learners, it offers a warm and inviting space filled with picture books, educational stories, interactive play areas, and hands-on activities. Families can enjoy regular storytime sessions, arts and crafts workshops, and engaging learning programs that encourage imagination and discovery. With its friendly environment and thoughtful programming, Maktaba is a favorite destination for little readers and their parents.
- Location
Al Mabahej & Saha 33, Onaiza
- Website
- Phone
