Library

The Mohammad Bin Jassim Alkulaifi Library at the National Museum of Qatar is a specialised research institution focusing on the history of Qatar and the Gulf region.

Library Hours
Saturday–Thursday: 9am–7pm
Fridays: Closed

Located on the third floor of the museum, the library offers a diverse collection of resources covering culture, heritage, art, geography and economics. Its collection and programmes foster learning, promote literacy and encourage education for all members of the public, including staff. The library supports research and educational needs related to the museum's galleries, and also collaborates with similar institutes locally and internationally.

The Collection

The library's collection consists of approximately 18,000 items in Arabic, English and other languages, covering various topics, including Qatar and Gulf history, general history of the old and new world, education, science, social science and the arts. The collection comprises books, periodicals, maps and more.

The easy-to-use OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue), which provides helpful information about many different types of materials, is available on dedicated PCs in the library.

Explore the Online Catalogue

TBC — Our reference services staff are available to assist patrons in finding information and answering their research questions.

TBC — The library offers designated study areas for visitors seeking a quiet environment. Meeting spaces are also available with advanced reservations accepted.

TBC — Visitors are provided with access to computers and Wi-Fi for ease of resource searching. The library offers electronic resources that patrons can access for free from library PCs.

TBC — A copier/scanner is available for visitor use, with assistance provided when needed. Some materials may not be copied or scanned. Limited photography of book pages is allowed using a digital camera without flash, or staff may be able to provide photographs upon request.

Visiting the Library

Visitors to the library have access to a wide range of information and resources, including books, magazines and online databases. In addition, the library serves as an important community hub, providing a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, grow and connect with others. The library provides devices for individuals with special needs, such as the C-Pen Reader, Gee marc Loop Hear device, Human Ware device and the Ubiduo device, which can be requested upon arrival.

Please note the following:

Books cannot be borrowed or taken out of the library.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visitors are expected to handle materials with care and use pencils only, no pens.
Please maintain a quiet atmosphere to respect other visitors.

For Students

The library serves as a valuable resource for students and researchers. They can access resources such as academic books, journals, magazines, and databases to support their research needs. In addition, the library often offers research services like reference assistance and research instruction sessions to help students and researchers find and effectively use the resources they need. The library also provides study spaces to support learning and research activities. Overall, the library is an essential partner in helping the academic goals of students and researchers.

tbc — The library provides study spaces to support learning and research activities.

tbc — It is a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, grow and connect with others.

Programmes and Events

The library team curates a range of engaging programmes regularly, one of which includes interactive storytelling sessions. These sessions are designed to cater to both families and students, offering a fun and educational experience for all attendees. In addition to its regular programming, the library also hosts special events throughout the year, such as Book Day and Children's Day. These events aim to promote literacy and engage the community in fun and meaningful ways, including literacy programs to help adults improve their literacy skills.

See What's On

tbc — The library team curates a range of programmes that aim to promote literacy and engage the community in fun and meaningful ways.

tbc — Storytelling sessions in the library offer a fun and educational experience for families and children.

Rare Books

The library's collection of around 2,500 rare books covers a wide range of topics related to Islamic and Gulf history. Available in Arabic and English, these books cater to a diverse audience of collectors and researchers. The inclusion of rare and unique items makes it a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the rich histories of the Islamic and Arabic worlds.

Follow the library`s policies and guidelines when using this collection:

The rare books in the library's collection are for internal research purposes only and are not available for borrowing.
Visitors are required to comply with the policies and procedures implemented by the library to ensure the rare books' protection and quality maintenance.
Rare books are delicate, so visitors must handle them carefully.
Guidelines for handling books include holding them by the spine, turning pages carefully, and not using pens or markers.

Contact Us

Please feel free to reach out to our library staff if you have any inquiries or require assistance! Call +974 4452 5437 or email librarynmoq@qm.org.qa.