Qatar National Library as a community engagement hub for young learners: What we have achieved as a new public library so far

Abstract

This paper highlights the important role of a public library as a learning space through partnerships for community engagement. This paper focuses on some successful initiatives and programs of the Qatar National Library (QNL), specifically the Young Adults department. This paper presents how the QNL maximized its state-of-the-art facilities and spaces to encourage young learners’ engagement in various community-based programs. By doing so, the library became an integral part of their learning development. This paper explores a wide range of activities that the department has undertaken, which have positively impacted the development of young learners’ personal, social, and academic skills. Official documents, including statistical reports, monthly programs, users’ feedback, and annual report were interpreted for quantitative analysis. A survey on users’ satisfaction with current library facilities and services was used to examine users’ perspectives and recommendations. Departmental heads were interviewed to identify their decision-making processes when organizing programs. Finally, the collected data was integrated to identify patterns and situations in order to further support public library functions. This paper reveals unique perspectives and inspiring stories from a new public library in Qatar.