There is a story behind the founding of all libraries. Ours begins with H.H. the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai during the period of 1958-1990 (may God rest his soul). A man of extraordinary vision, Sheikh Rashid's desire to provide the many citizens and residents of Dubai with a centre of culture and knowledge resulted in the creation of Dubai Public Library. The first edition of Dubai Public Library saw the light of day in 1963. Located in Al Ras overlooking the banks of Khor Dubai, it ushered in a fresh wave of culture and knowledge in the city.As Dubai grew in its stature as a hub of commerce, steps were taken to match that growth culturally. H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai & Deputy Prime Minister and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ministry of Finance and Industry, President of Dubai Municipality issued instructions for the establishment of more libraries. Accordingly in 1989, libraries were inaugurated around the city in the busy and bustling communities of Hor Al Anz, Al Rashidiya, Al Safa and Umm Suqeim. A branch at Hatta bloomed in 1998; Al Twar area in 2008; and our latest in Al Mankhool is going to be inaugurated soon.Each Dubai Public Library branch has been developed to meet the needs and expectations of the community it is located in. Their demographics determined the content of the inventory as well as the infrastructure. Yet, a common thread that binds the eight branches is the emphasis on 'sharing'. The sharing of knowledge, culture, art, entertainment and the desire to know more that draws a reader to a library. The Dubai Public Library is that beacon of light in your community. Find one closest to where you live and discover a host of services and facilities designed to connect you with a universe of recorded imagination and thought.At the Dubai Public Library, we welcome you to share our world.
