The library will feature a desert-inspired reading room, with a book mountain at its centre…

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has announced plans for a major children’s library, set to open in March 2019.

The library will be located within the newly restored Cultural Foundation, on the grounds of the historic Qasr Al Hosn site.

Spread over three floors, the 5,250 square metre facility will be divided into several immersive social spaces, and will have a “book mountain” at its centre.

Each floor will have a different design concept, inspired by the diverse landscapes of the UAE. The first floor will transport visitors to the desert, with themes of tranquility, peace and meditation.

Children will be able to read on “sand dunes”, climb onto camel-shaped seats, or get comfy in a four-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the second floor will feature an oasis landscape, with a falaj water channel flowing with books.

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The library will house a diverse collection of books, including fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, autobiographies and audio-books.

Children will be encouraged to talk, perform, play and interact with one another in collaborative spaces, but there will also be quiet zones for concentrated reading and studying.

The library will host a variety of public activities, workshops and reading classes in dedicated learning environments, with year-round programmes on literature, art, film and music. A dedicated exhibition space will also host exhibitions showcasing works created by children, as well as displays for younger audiences.

Department of Culture and Tourism chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “We are extremely excited to be creating a new and vibrant space in Abu Dhabi that will impact the lives of children and their families.

“We hope to inspire a new generation of readers, starting them on a life-long journey of discovery.”

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