QNL Draws 1.19 Million Visitors in 2024, Over 400,000 Books Borrowed

QNL Annual Report Highlights Enduring Role of Books and Expanding Digital Reach

Doha, Qatar : Despite the growing dominance of digital screens, the Qatar National Library (QNL) has reaffirmed the enduring importance of physical books in its newly released 2024 annual report, “Between Our Shelves: A Space For Everyone.”

The report, published online on August 25, revealed that the Library welcomed a record 1.19 million visitors last year equivalent to nearly one-third of Qatar’s population along with more than 403,000 physical books borrowed. Each visit, the report emphasized, represented a conscious choice to engage with culture and knowledge.

Commenting on the achievements, QNL’s Executive Director, Tan Huism, said: “In a world navigating complex global challenges, we remained steadfast in our mission to provide equitable access to knowledge. The Library welcomed a record number of visitors an extraordinary testament to the growing trust our community places in us.” She highlighted QNL’s efforts to safeguard Qatar’s documentary heritage, expand digital literacy, and lead open access initiatives across the region.

Alongside its physical offerings, QNL reported significant growth in digital engagement. Users downloaded 2.8 million digital resources and over 77,000 mobile app installations turned devices into “portable libraries,” with readers spending an average of two hours per session. The Library also digitized 965,563 pages of Qatar’s cultural heritage, preserving the nation’s legacy for global access.

QNL’s outreach extended well beyond its walls. Nearly 10,000 reading packages were delivered to families’ homes, while the One Book, One Doha festival engaged more than 6,300 participants in celebrating Palestinian literature. In total, over 92,000 people took part in Library programs ranging from author talks to digital literacy workshops.

Education remained a central focus, with nearly 13,000 students benefiting from learning programs, 156 schools integrating QNL resources into classrooms, and more than 200 students gaining mentorship through the Murshidi program. The Library also supported 200 individuals with writing consultations to strengthen communication skills.

On the global stage, QNL advanced open access through Manara, its digital platform, which now hosts 5,000 published items with more than 281,000 views and downloads worldwide. Additionally, the Library contributed to 1,292 open access publications, furthering the dissemination of research and knowledge.

By bridging tradition and innovation, QNL continues to serve as a cornerstone of Qatar’s cultural and intellectual life ensuring that both the love for physical books and the power of digital knowledge remain deeply embedded in the nation’s future.

Source:QNL Report - Between Our Shelves: A Space For Everyone; The Pennisula