Qatar National Library lends more than 18,000 books during the first weeks of its opening

Doha: Thousands of visitors flocked to Qatar National Library (QNL), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), during the first few weeks of its opening. More than 11,000 new users have registered to become QNL members. 
More than 18,000 books have been checked out from QNLs collection to date, indicating an overwhelming interest in reading and learning among residents. The building is open to all members of the public, and membership to the library is free to anyone with a Qatari ID.

"In just a few days, we have seen the power of QNL to bring together the community to learn, create, and engage with each other. We were eager to open QNL to the public, and seeing our visitors excitement shows just how important QNL is to the country and its people," said Executive Director, QNL. Dr Sohair F Wastawy. "We encourage people to return, as they will always find something new at QNL to educate and entertain."

QNLs new website also debuted this month at www.qnl.qa, enabling users to register for membership, search the librarys collection, reserve meeting and event spaces in the building, and access the dozens of online digital resources available to members.

QNLs Childrens Library attracted particular attention. It includes more than 100,000 picture books, chapter books, information books, easy readers, magazines, DVDs, databases for children, audiobooks, e-books, and e-magazines in Arabic and English.
Visitors can also take tours of the Heritage Library, which houses rare and valuable texts, manuscripts, maps, and other important objects related to Arabic and Islamic history and culture.
Designed by renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the building is fully accessible to visitors with special needs. 
The building features numerous custom-designed innovations, including an automatic book sorting system, several interactive media walls, and self-check-in and check-out machines that make borrowing books easier for members.