Dubai's oldest English language library is searching for a new home
And it could use your help finding one…
Here’s a bit of sad news, The Old Library located at the Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre (DUCTAC) in the Mall of the Emirates is looking for a new home for its some 25,000 strong catalogue of English language books.
A statement posted to its website states that all of the current DUCTAC spaces (including the library) have been earmarked for further development by the mall’s management, requiring the premises to be vacated by June 30, 2018.
Originally founded in 1969, the volunteer-run community library has had a number of homes over its 49 year history, settling at DUCTAC in 2006. A true non-profit, it raises funds via subscription fees, second-hand book sales and late book fines.
A new location has as yet to be finalised, and with with only 2 months left until eviction, the library’s committee is reaching out to the wider community for help.
“If you have contacts in real estate who can support our search for a new home or if you own property that can host our not for profit, volunteer-run, community library, now is the time to step forward.” the statement goes on to say.
Speaking to Gulf News, a spokesperson for The Old Library added that they are “[looking to] relocate to a place, which is as central as this one and stay as accessible to our members. We are trying to stay close to Shaikh [sic] Zayed Road, with access via the Dubai Metro.”
DUCTAC is expected to relocate to Mirdif City Centre later in the year.
You can visit The Old Library’s official website to find out how you can help, or sign up to volunteer while it still remains open.
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