Qatar National Library (QNL) is—in a word—dreamlike, with its futuristic, light-filled interior and tiered floors lined with shelves of tens of thousands of books.

One of the most breathtaking features of the library is the architecture of its monolithic building.

Qatar National Library is a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and intended, according to its website, “to act as a steward of the country’s national heritage by collecting, preserving and making available its recorded history.”

As a public library, QNL provides equal access to all residents of Qatar.

The opening of the library may be seen as a step forward in Qatar’s transition from a country heavily reliant on natural resources to a diversified and sustainable economy.

In addition to full-text databases, QNL is home to 1.2 million books, more than 500,000 ebooks, periodicals and newspapers, and special collections.

Becoming a member

Any Qatari citizen or resident permit holder is eligible to receive a free library card. To become a QNL member, follow the simple steps below.

18 years and above

Fill in the online registration form.

An auto-generated barcode number will be given to you.

Send a copy of your valid Qatari ID/RP (both sides) to (circreg@qnl.qa).

Your Barcode and PIN number will be sent to your registered email.

Visit the User Services Desk at the Library along with your valid Qatari ID/RP to receive your library membership card.

Children and teens (0-17 years of age)

Fill in the online registration form.

Fill in the Terms and Conditions Form as a parent or legal guardian, print it and sign it.

Scan a copy of the signed Terms and Conditions Form and your child’s valid Qatari ID/RP (both sides) or passport and send them to (circreg@qnl.qa), or bring these documents along with you when you visit the User Services Desk at the Library to receive your child’s library card.

The library building

As indicated on the website, the 45,000 square meters state-of-the-art library building is designed to encourage library visitors to explore the progression of knowledge from the past to the present.

The building houses the following:

- Secured and humidity-controlled display cases that are well-distributed in the heritage area, as well as on the bridge to showcase the collection and draw visitors’ attention to explore more about it

- Conservation Laboratory that will be used to conserve and restore the collection for future generations

- Digitisation Laboratory that will work as the National Digitisation Center and will use state-of-the-art technology for digital preservation of the collection

The building houses facilities for individual or group study and research, and are meant to suit different age groups and demographics of Qatar’s community. They include:

• Assistive technology area with all equipment and specialized software applications to enhance the experience of users with special needs
• 686 square meters children’s section
• Dedicated area for teens and young adults
• 6 instruction / tutoring rooms
• 21 various size individual and group study rooms
• 27 student and faculty carrels in different locations in the building
• 2 multimedia rooms
• Auditorium with about 120 seats

Finally, the building houses a café—Maison Du Pain, which has its main branch at The Pearl—and a special events area.