A beacon of culture and technology in the desert: Qatar National Library reinvents the reading experience

The Qatar National Library (QNL) is not just a repository for books; it is a revolutionary cultural and technological center that officially opened in April 2018 and is now approaching its tenth anniversary. Designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, this institution is distinguished by its fusion of the roles of a research library, a national library, and a public library, offering completely free access to its resources and programs for residents and visitors alike.

What makes the architecture of the QNL unique?

From the moment you enter, Koolhaas plays with your perception of space. The design begins with a low ceiling to intentionally make visitors feel small before revealing itself as a vast open space that immediately inspires awe.

The architecture eliminates traditional library aisles, allowing a panoramic view of the entire collection of over a million books at a glance. The bookshelves, which are an integral part of the building, are arranged so that the spines of the books face the reader directly, like spectators in a theater.

At the heart of the building is the Heritage Library, designed to simulate an archaeological excavation. This space, constructed with marble brought from Iran, a material with a color similar to sand, houses precious manuscripts and historical collections, anchoring modern knowledge in tradition.

Integrated technology

The QNL was built with the advantage of integrating the latest technology from the ground up, avoiding the need to “catch up” with older libraries. Two key features demonstrate this vision:

• Automated return system: The technology allows a returned book to be returned to the sorting area in less than two minutes, dramatically speeding up the turnaround time for another reader to access it.
• The people mover: To ensure accessibility to its vast collection, the library installed a transportation system that circulates through the shelves, ensuring that people in wheelchairs or with mobility issues can navigate the entire space without difficulty.

In addition to its physical collection, one of the QNL’s greatest assets is its online collection, which houses approximately half a million digital resources, underscoring its role as a cutting-edge academic library.

What community and innovation services do you offer free of charge?

The QNL seeks to be a place of community and belonging, challenging the stereotype of the library as a dark and quiet space. They encourage a noisy environment, where children are allowed to run around and people are allowed to talk, with quiet areas dedicated to study reserved for those who prefer it.

The democratization of culture is a central pillar. The library organizes, for example, free performances by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, offering the same show that would be performed at the opera house, in an informal format open to all.

Innovation Stations: The most disruptive concept is its set of free “Innovation Stations.” These spaces provide equipment and rooms for the public that would otherwise be inaccessible or expensive:

• Music room with a variety of instruments.
• Recording studio for podcasts and audio.
• Photography and video studio with green screen and editing software.
• 3D printing and sewing room.

Specialized Assistance

The library also offers a creative writing specialist who leads novel writing groups and provides support for essays and doctoral theses.

The book collection covers eleven languages to reflect the diversity of the Qatari population, including books for both adults and the hugely popular children’s library, which is perhaps the section with the highest turnover of copies in the entire institution.

The Qatar National Library is undoubtedly a unique space that is well worth a visit, as it has completely reinvented the concept, inviting locals and strangers alike to read in any of its corners, even promoting music, art, and content creation.

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