The Doha Mums Library has finally found a permanent location. With more than 6,000 books it’s easy to see why the library outgrew its old space at Doha Players. Not only is it growing bigger, it is also growing up.
The systems have been upgraded to professional level with a fully digitized membership and check out system. The space is kitted out with over QR27,000 worth of furniture and is filled with lots of cozy spaces filled with light. It’s a proper library.
In addition to being able to check out books, the library will occasionally have themed sessions. For example, the Spanish-speaking group will have a Spanish speaking book reading session. There will be reading & craft sessions, usually associated with holidays.
How does Doha Mums fund such a spectacular space? One word: volunteers. No one gets paid. It’s individuals who give a couple hours a week or month to keep everything running smoothly. It also helps that the Al Jazi compound near Landmark has made space available to Doha Mums.
Access to the library is limited to Doha Mums Library members. Seem silly? It isn’t. Libraries are tightly regulated in Qatar. Doha Mums is working within those regulations as a private collection of books.
To become a member of the library, you must first become a member of Doha Mums. You can then opt-in to become a member of the library for an additional fee of QR120. This money doesn’t go into anyone’s pocket. It goes directly to buying additional book or library supplies.
Not sure if you want to join? The Doha Mums online catalogue is available for everyone to browse through. You can search for individual books or look up general themes such as Eid, dolphins or bullying.
If you would like to become a volunteer or sponsor of the library, please contact us
Written by Christine Gerber Rutt. Christine was born in the United States, immigrated to Switzerland and now lives in Qatar. She considers home to be wherever her toothbrush is. She has a degree in Social Work and writes for Good Housekeeping Middle East, JustHere and Explorer Publishing, among others. Follow her at www.JustKooki.com where she challenges you to live your life where you are.
