Libraries tend to have a reputation of being
BORING. But for some reason I find them extremely fascinating. I’ve been
captivated with libraries since I was a little girl. There’s just something
about them. I think it mainly has to do with the fact that such an enormous
amount of information of pretty much whatever you can think of is accessible
all under one roof. Amazing, right??
My seed of fascination was planted when I first borrowed books
from the school library at Gage Elementary. I remember how stunned I was with
the concept of being able to choose any book I desired AND take it home with me
to read. I remember taking my time exploring the rows and rows of fiction,
non-fiction, and encyclopedias; amazed by the different sizes, colors and
unusual codes. I was so impressed at how the books were surprisingly easy to
find thanks to the way it was systematically organized. Props to librarians!
After checking out my books, I remember looking at the names and dates stamped
at the beginning of them (It was the early 90’s…) and quickly realized that I
wasn’t the only one who got ahold of these gems. I found myself wondering who
each of the previous borrowers were. “What did they look like? Where are they
now?” But most importantly – “Did they enjoy reading it?”, “Was I going to enjoy
this book?”
I couldn’t wait to get home to share my selections with my family.
For some weird reason, I was convinced my parents never came across a library in their lifetime.
So I made it my duty to explain to them what a library was and everything that I had just learnt about them to the minute details of the Dewey decimal classification system...until I realized no one was really listening
to me anymore haha. Still, I remember how grown-up I felt
with my new library card. It was like my personal credit card and I kept it
safe at all times.
Seeing how excited I was about this newfound discovery, my mother continued to
water my sprouting fascination by taking me and my brothers to the city's
public library. I recall the anticipation growing inside me on the
way there. When we finally arrived, my mind was absolutely blown. This library
turned out to be much bigger and better than my school’s library! You know the
scene from the movie Gladiator when Maximus and his fellow gladiators enter
the Colosseum? That’s how it felt like for me entering Rochester Public Library… keep in mind I was only eight years old so everything seemed
larger-than-life. Not to mention I was extra stoked about getting a
second credit card ..Ahem, I mean library card.
Fast forward to present day...
My
seed has transformed into a mature tree with deep roots and many strong
branches full of vibrant green leaves and colorful, sweet fruit. It continues to grow. I water my tree
regularly by remaining curious, continually searching for credible information and visiting inspiring places like museums and libraries whenever I get the
chance. In fact, I must say, I am absolutely obsessed with the library here in
Doha. If you live here and haven’t checked it out yet, you’re totally missing
out. What are you waiting for?!
About
the Qatar National Library (QNL)
QNL provides equal access for all residents of Qatar to an environment that supports creativity, independent decision-making, and cultural development. Also, it is a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development and acts as a steward of Qatar’s national heritage by collecting, preserving and making available the country’s recorded history.
This state-of-the-art library is massive and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. It’s 45,000 square meters of masterpiece with cutting-edge technology. The building has amazing facilities for individual and group study and research. It has varying sized study rooms and a writing center for assistance on projects. Public computers are located all around the library. The Innovation Station offers free access to 3D printing and scanning, a recording studio, a videography and photography room with equipment for digital design, music instruments, virtual reality accessories, electronics, and more.
QNL’s building is open to the public daily (Sat-Thurs 8AM-8PM, Fri 4PM-8PM). If you’re a resident of Qatar, I encourage you to make the most of the library’s services by registering as member. Being a member of QNL allows free access to all of the library’s collections and services, in addition to workshops and events. To become a member, all you have to do is register on the QNL website and then visit the User Services Desk along with your valid Qatari ID/RP to collect your membership card. Or, you can register in person at the User Services Desk - just remember to bring your valid Qatari ID/RP with you.
The
library offers many events, programs, and activities for the local
community to do, learn, and discover. Below are some upcoming events. Visit
their website for more information: www.qnl.qa/en/events
Libraries are important cornerstones of a healthy community. They
give people the opportunity to be curious, to learn, and to spread knowledge.
They nurture imagination, creativity and growth. So let’s all plant more seeds
and sprout more fascination in acquiring informed knowledge for ourselves, our
generation and the generations to come! For
