[paps]

Does abu dhabi have libraries open for public - of corz expats included? I'm looking for some books and would save me money if I'd just borrow it from a library.

[tepuke girl]

paps, on 03 March 2010 - 10:04 AM, said:

Does abu dhabi have libraries open for public - of corz expats included? I'm looking for some books and would save me money if I'd just borrow it from a library.

you can buy books really cheap e.g. 5 dhs from St Andrew Charity shop open Sundays and Tuesdays. I always buy half their stock. much cheaper than buying new which is so expensive here.

[paps]

I'm actually looking for Glenn Doman books... I have a baby and is interested in early education. Anyway, I might try and have a look but I don't know where is St. Andrews??? and what's the timing of this charity shop???

thanks thanks

[Julieanne]

paps, on 03 March 2010 - 10:04 AM, said:

Does abu dhabi have libraries open for public - of corz expats included? I'm looking for some books and would save me money if I'd just borrow it from a library.

Hi paps

Yes AD does have a public library it is near Carrefour - off airport rd
and a 2nd branch at Massafah - not sure where in Massafah

Expats can join but not sure of the membership fee.

They have books in Arabic and English - the childrens section is very good.

They have a display at the Book Fair at ADNEC (2- 7 March ) - I went today. They also had their Libraries of the future on display which was very good and also the Mobile library bus - the librarian told me that they have several and they will be travelling around Abu Dhabi visiting shopping malls, parks etc

[shrek]

Julieanne, on 03 March 2010 - 10:38 PM, said:

Hi paps

Yes AD does have a public library it is near Carrefour - off airport rd
and a 2nd branch at Massafah - not sure where in Massafah

Hi Julieanne,

Whereabout exactly ? Any other landmark ? I would love to bring the kids this weekend :)

Many Thanks

[scout77]

Julieanne,
Do you know if the "National Library" which I read is housed in the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage building is open, or is it a "future" library?

I saw a book at the book fair that I wanted to buy but it was not for sale. The lady at the booth told me it and all the books in her booth were being donated to the National Library.

I really want to read this book so I'm trying to figure out where this National Library is (is it the one by Carrefour on Airport road, or is it a "future library" that they are working on establishing?)

[scout77]

Paps,
St. Andrews church also has a public library. You can join for a fee. They have limited hours, though.

Sunday 3:30 -7:30
Wednesday 11:00 - 1:00
Thursday 5:00 - 6:30
Satuday 11:00 - 1:00

It's located in the first building you see, straight ahead, as you enter the compound.

St Andrew's Compound is located basically at 19th and Karama. If you're heading towards downtown on Karama, after you pass 19th, there will be a little side street called 17th. Turn right. Go down a little ways and you'll see a big yellowish mosque on the right hand side. Turn right immediately after passing the mosque. Go down a little ways and then on the right hand side will be St. Andrews compound. It's grey concrete. Does not look like a church from the outside.

I have not been to the library yet, so I don't know what their selection is like. But I am going to go check it out soon.

[PuppyLove]

Julieanne, where exactly is the public library on Airport road near Carrefoure? I've never heard of it before and would really like to go!

[Julieanne]

Sorry I haven't posted better directions - we are in the process of moving and just checking emails etc. I think it will be a few days before I will have internet access again - depending on when Etisalat reconnect us.

Near Carrefour on airport road -

The library is in the ADACH building - Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage - this building is next to the Scientific research building (sorry can't remember the full title) these buildings are across from the AD National Hotel building (where the booze shop is.

I will go for a drive tomorrow and try and get better directions.

cheers juileanne

[DesertDream]

paps, on 03 March 2010 - 10:04 AM, said:

Does abu dhabi have libraries open for public - of corz expats included? I'm looking for some books and would save me money if I'd just borrow it from a library.

hi there all,
I am a new member here. I came across this website while looking for yet another house in khalifa 'A' at least until our own villa is built soon.Regarding a public library , yes there is one at the Cultural Foundation. It is a pretty big one with internet facilities etc too. You have to pay a yearly fee though and then you are given a membership card. It is expensive, if it was closer though I would be a member. By the way , it's the first time I have heard of one near Carrefour.. I will have to ask about that one, At least it is nearer.

[Kingswood]

DesertDream, on 08 March 2010 - 10:27 PM, said:

hi there all,
I am a new member here. I came across this website while looking for yet another house in khalifa 'A' at least until our own villa is built soon.Regarding a public library , yes there is one at the Cultural Foundation. It is a pretty big one with internet facilities etc too. You have to pay a yearly fee though and then you are given a membership card. It is expensive, if it was closer though I would be a member. By the way , it's the first time I have heard of one near Carrefour.. I will have to ask about that one, At least it is nearer.

last time i checked there was absolutely no internet service in the library? that would have been about a year ago lol.. so its not the case anymore??

the culture and heritage is a big library, its ok though the collection isnt great. obviously depends what you're looking for. just pay a deposit and you get a membership card for a year i think its 50dh deposit.

Also, there is a shop behind electra street , very small and i cant note the exact location, but it is a bookshop/ slash library.. ie. you can borrow from their collection!! its really good it usually has some cool comics, latest mainstream books, and some interesting selections due to people donating books. if anyone is interested i can track down the place when im in the area and give directions.

[paps]

Kingswood, on 10 March 2010 - 02:30 AM, said:

last time i checked there was absolutely no internet service in the library? that would have been about a year ago lol.. so its not the case anymore??

the culture and heritage is a big library, its ok though the collection isnt great. obviously depends what you're looking for. just pay a deposit and you get a membership card for a year i think its 50dh deposit.

Also, there is a shop behind electra street , very small and i cant note the exact location, but it is a bookshop/ slash library.. ie. you can borrow from their collection!! its really good it usually has some cool comics, latest mainstream books, and some interesting selections due to people donating books. if anyone is interested i can track down the place when im in the area and give directions.

yes please.. i'm really really interested. :victory:

[Kingswood]

no worries I'll try and track it down tomorrow and report back. it was really cool when i found it, charming little place just has that second hand bookstore feel

mind you last time i saw it would have been last year so i hope its still there or that i find it again lol

This post has been edited by Kingswood: 10 March 2010 - 11:19 PM

[Lara Croft]

I confirm the presence of this shop, it's still there, I saw it a week ago as I was walking by but I can't describe where it is exactly. It's somewhere in the middle of the block that is between Najda and Salam and Electra and Hamdan, in one of the smaller buildings.

[KEL]

I went yesterday to find the public library at the Culture and Heritage Foundation, near the Carrefour on Airport Rd. It's called the National Book House and it is closed while they try to find a new location -- which they said should be in April? The deposit will be 400 dhs and you'll need one photo and passport copy.

[paps]

KEL, on 17 March 2010 - 09:12 AM, said:

I went yesterday to find the public library at the Culture and Heritage Foundation, near the Carrefour on Airport Rd. It's called the National Book House and it is closed while they try to find a new location -- which they said should be in April? The deposit will be 400 dhs and you'll need one photo and passport copy.

400dhs!!! phew! it's a really biggieee deposit for some books you'll never own. never knew it will ever cost to go for a library specially if it's for the public... i thought public libraries are for free..

anyway.. i'm eager to find the shop on electra st... i'd settle for a pre-owned book..

[Lara Croft]

I once again walked past the shop the other day and paid attention to where to find it :smile:. It is called Al Shaheen Library. If you come from Electra Street you need to go a couple of small streets right behind "European Exhibition Bldg" and you'll find it there hidden in the middle of tailors, computer shops and small eateries. This is the stretch of Electra that is between 6th and 8th Street. I'd suggest to take a taxi or a bus or come by car before 13:00 because finding a parking in this area later than that is a matter of luck on the scale of winning the lottery.

[Kingswood]

thanks lara croft

saved me the trouble, still havent been down to electra street...

[Lara Croft]

:thumbsup: @ Kingswood, it's my 'hood.

[DesertDream]

Kingswood, on 10 March 2010 - 02:30 AM, said:

last time i checked there was absolutely no internet service in the library? that would have been about a year ago lol.. so its not the case anymore??

the culture and heritage is a big library, its ok though the collection isnt great. obviously depends what you're looking for. just pay a deposit and you get a membership card for a year i think its 50dh deposit.

Also, there is a shop behind electra street , very small and i cant note the exact location, but it is a bookshop/ slash library.. ie. you can borrow from their collection!! its really good it usually has some cool comics, latest mainstream books, and some interesting selections due to people donating books. if anyone is interested i can track down the place when im in the area and give directions.

As far as I know there are several halls and there are other things going on there. I have added the website for The Cultural Foundation:

http://www.adach.ae/...usula.hall.aspx

I may add I have heard there is going to be some new libraries popping up all in Abu Dhabi not just buildings, but in buses ( mobile libraries) small kiosk libraries too.. this was mentioned around the time of the Book Exhibition recently in the capital. It will be such a project of which even the rest of the UAE will be interested too. It will cater for everyone.

A mobile library bus service was launched in 2009 as the main library was undergoing renovation. There are supposed to be several stationary libraries with some in the malls, the bus service is called the Kitab ( books) bus and goes door to door.. you could ask about this at the Cultural Foundation. It also serves khalifa area.