Qatar National Library Achieves Milestone with 1.25 Million Visits in 2025

Doha, Qatar Jul 26, 2026 ALN: The Qatar National Library (QNL) has reached a significant milestone in 2025, recording an impressive 1.25 million visits, marking the highest attendance since its establishment. This achievement not only highlights the library's growing popularity but also reflects its pivotal role as a national hub for scholarship and reading in Qatar. The increase in visits can be attributed to the library's expanding research infrastructure, which includes the launch of a new database featuring nearly 70,000 research records focused on Qatar. This initiative underscores QNL's commitment to supporting academic research and fostering a culture of reading within the community.

Fatima H al-Sahli, who serves as the head of the Stacks Maintenance Unit in the Public Engagement Department at QNL, emphasized the library's evolution into a research destination for students, graduates, and researchers. The scale of research activities at QNL saw substantial growth in 2025, particularly with the introduction of the Qatar Research Collection. This database not only consolidates a wealth of Qatar-focused research records but also provides open access to over 25,000 items, enabling wider access to valuable academic resources. This move is indicative of a broader trend in libraries worldwide, where open access initiatives are increasingly seen as essential to democratizing knowledge and making research available to a wider audience.

In addition to the Qatar Research Collection, the library's Manara research repository has surpassed 10,000 items, garnering over 1.5 million views and downloads. This reflects the increasing demand for accessible research materials among scholars and the general public alike. Furthermore, QNL has made significant strides in promoting open access to research by funding 1,423 articles and supporting 809 authors across 29 institutions in Qatar. This initiative is critical in ensuring that research is not confined to the walls of academia but is available to anyone interested in learning and discovery. The implications of this are far-reaching, as it not only enhances the visibility of local research but also positions Qatar as a center for knowledge production in the region.

Al-Sahli articulated the library's broader mission, asserting that QNL is not merely a place to borrow books but a comprehensive infrastructure for knowledge creation. University students and postgraduates benefit immensely from access to thousands of international academic databases, research journals, and digital resources, which would otherwise incur substantial subscription costs. This access is vital for fostering a knowledgeable and informed society, enhancing the educational landscape in Qatar. The library's role as a research facilitator is particularly crucial as Qatar continues to invest in education and research as part of its National Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into an advanced society capable of sustaining its own development.

In terms of physical resources, QNL boasts a collection of over 1 million titles, catering to a diverse audience of book lovers across all age groups. The library's catalogue spans a wide array of subjects, including world literature, history, science, business, and children's literature, ensuring that readers with varied interests can find materials that resonate with them. This extensive collection is complemented by digital offerings, allowing members to access resources both in person and online. The blend of physical and digital resources exemplifies the library's commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of its users, especially in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Al-Sahli noted that the library's digital offerings have been instrumental in adapting to the changing nature of reading habits. With the advent of technology, QNL has embraced digital platforms, enabling members to borrow thousands of e-books and audiobooks, as well as access digital magazines and newspapers anytime and anywhere. In 2025, QNL's public e-resources achieved over 3.1 million checkouts and views, including more than 120,000 children's e-resources, demonstrating the growing trend of digital consumption among library patrons. This shift towards digital resources is particularly significant in light of the global trend towards online learning and information consumption, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in education and information dissemination.

Recognizing that different readers require tailored support, QNL has implemented various initiatives to cater to diverse audiences. For young readers, the Children's Library offers early-literacy tools, storytelling sessions, and interactive digital resources designed to make reading enjoyable and engaging. The Family Reading Programme saw remarkable success in 2025, with participation more than doubling and children taking home an average of 16 books each. Research indicates that fostering reading habits at an early age can have lasting benefits, instilling a lifelong love of literature. By targeting young readers and their families, QNL is not only promoting literacy but also nurturing a new generation of informed citizens.

For adults, initiatives such as Qatar Reads and the One Book, One Doha campaign have transformed reading into a communal experience, engaging over 26,000 individuals in 2025. These programs aim to break down barriers between people and the books they wish to read, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. Al-Sahli highlighted that the library's goal is consistent across all formats and age groups: to create an inclusive environment where reading is accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Such community-oriented programs are vital in enhancing social cohesion and encouraging a culture of dialogue and exchange among diverse populations in Qatar.

Al-Sahli also underscored the importance of providing digital content and tools that resonate with today's youth, who are often referred to as digital natives. The library's offerings reflect this reality, with families able to access thousands of children's e-books, interactive stories, and early-learning resources that support literacy development from the very first words. The Children's Library integrates hands-on innovation spaces with a comprehensive program of themed activities, STEM workshops, information-literacy sessions, and creative challenges, all designed to enhance the educational experience for children. Such initiatives not only support literacy development but also encourage critical thinking and creativity among young learners, preparing them for future challenges in an increasingly complex world.

In conclusion, the figures and statistics presented by QNL not only signify a remarkable contribution to global scholarship but also position Qatar as an increasingly prominent player in the international academic dialogue. The library’s commitment to providing accessible resources, both physical and digital, ensures that knowledge is within reach for all members of the community. As QNL continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of its users, it remains dedicated to fostering a culture of reading, research, and lifelong learning in Qatar. This commitment not only enhances the educational landscape but also contributes to the broader socio-economic development goals of the nation, aligning with Qatar's vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy. As the library looks to the future, its role in shaping a well-informed, engaged, and literate society will be more critical than ever.