All 15 public libraries in Dubai to be revamped

DUBAI // All 15 public libraries in Dubai will be revamped.

Al Safa public library will be the first to be refurbished in a partnership between Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Dubai Municipality. It is expected to be completed by next March.

The main library area will house all books and publications related to the arts and design industry, and feature a section dedicated to displaying material.

Digital content and databases, including image libraries, will also be accessible to visitors.

Al Safa public library will serve as a community centre for members of the creative community to meet, create, work, research and read.

It will also encourage partnerships and collaboration between regional and international institutions for content generation and programming.

The pilot project will set a benchmark for restructuring Dubai’s other public libraries, to introduce new experiences for reading and literature.

Dubai has eight public libraries for adults and seven for children, with multipurpose halls and classrooms.

All branches are connected by a computer network and have links with other modern libraries, providing access to vast sources of information on diverse topics in Arabic and English.

“The launch of our public libraries revamping project underpins the strategic objectives of Dubai Culture to make reading and gaining knowledge very accessible and convenient for Dubai’s residents, by providing them with fully integrated, comfortable and modern facilities,” said Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, vice chairwoman of the authority.

“A key mandate of Dubai Culture is to develop and nurture local talent and provide them with the necessary platforms to showcase their potential.

“This was clearly translated in our decision to commission a local design house for the project.”