Find and reserve books from Dubai public libraries using this handy new app feature

The Find Your Book initiative was born as a result of an idea pitched by students

A new feature on the Dubai Public Library app allows users to search through all branches of the institution, including Al Safa Art and Design Library. Reem Mohammed / The National

A new feature in the Dubai Public Library smartphone app lets you browse through the library network's collection, pinpointing which branch has the next title on your reading list.

Branded as "Find Your Book", the feature allows users to find and reserve books from any of the emirate's public libraries. The collection spans a variety of titles, from fiction to non-fiction, including books on art, design and business, as well as encyclopaedias and illustrated children's books.

A map feature has also been integrated into the app, allowing users to identify which branch of the Dubai Public Library is closest to them.

Dubai Culture began working on the app’s new features in August 2020.

The updated app, meant to facilitate the process of borrowing books, comes as part of a set of initiatives by Dubai Culture to improve the services provided by its public libraries.

The app’s new features were conceptualised based on ideas received from students participating in the 2020 Young City Makers Championship. The tournament, which was launched in 2017, aims to strengthen the youth’s role in developing government services.

Take a look through the gallery below to see the beautiful and modern Al Safa Art & Design Library:

During 2020's iteration of the championship, Dubai Culture organised a workshop at Al Safa Art & Design Library, introducing students to the app and listing its most important challenges. The students were then prompted to come up with solutions, generating a total of 16 ideas to improve the services provided by Dubai Public Library, as well as propose future offerings.

After studying the proposals and evaluating their feasibility and applicability, Dubai Culture approved five initiatives that will be implemented across Dubai Public Library branches.

This includes the Reading Youth Club, which offers a platform to discuss books in one of the library's halls, and My Book is Your Book, which will provide a spot for donating and exchanging books across all branches.