Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) on Tuesday announced its plans for the opening of a major children’s library in the capital, which will be housed in the reopened Cultural Foundation in early 2019.
Spread over three floors, the 5,250-square-metre facility will be divided into several age-appropriate, immersive social spaces. The library will boast three-dimensional learn/play areas where children can physically immerse themselves. The library will feature a diverse collection of books on genres such as fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, autobiographies and audio books.
Each floor of the library will also have a different design concept that draws inspiration from the diverse landscapes of the UAE. The first floor will transport visitors to the desert while embracing themes of tranquillity, peace and meditation. Children will be invited to read on sand dunes, climb onto camels or huddle into four-wheel drives.
The second floor will feature an oasis landscape with a falaj (water channel) flowing with books, offering children a diverse space within which to broaden their minds — be it exploring with friends, or spending time alone with a book.
“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. The Abu Dhabi Children’s Library will provide creative opportunities for digital engagement and emphasise the importance of the library as a rich and welcoming space for children within the local community,” said Mohammad Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the DCT – Abu Dhabi.
“[The library will] also allow us to support the development of Arabic literacy and creative programmes that will enrich and enhance learning outside the classroom. We hope to inspire a new generation of readers, starting them on a lifelong journey of discovery,” he added.
The library will also host a wide variety of public activities, workshops and reading classes in dedicated learning environments. Year-round programmes on literature, art, film and music will seek to turn the library into a vibrant cultural hub that inspires excitement, exploration, participation and creation.
A dedicated exhibition space will host exhibitions showcasing the works created by children as well as displays for younger audiences.
