If you know me and CB well, you will know we both share a love for books. Although, some may say I mistake CB’s insistence of taking books apart for a passion for reading, but we’re getting there! It’s not just books, libraries have always been special places for me; as a child I was known for saying “my libaty, no television” (not to say I don’t love television as well as books). Having grown up in the UK, visiting public libraries I regard as an essential part of childhood and I didn’t want CB to miss out on this. I think it’s really important to expose children to books and encourage an interest for reading early on, so I was quite disappointed to find a lack of libraries when we first moved to Muscat.
The Children’s Public Library, located near to the Children’s Museum in Qurum, opened in 2017, the year CB was born, but I had always heard there was an age restriction and children aged 3 and under were not allowed to visit, so I had never attempted to visit. Recently I have heard this restriction is not always the case, so I may drop by soon. I had also heard about the House of Prose bookshop, which operated a secondhand book-swapping scheme, but this closed down before I got around to checking it out. I have since discovered that there are more branches that have opened up in Dubai. It’s a shame the one in Muscat is no longer around, since it was such a good concept.
So when we came across Dar Al Atta’a Let’s Read Library for children, I was really pleased. Situated on the third floor of Oman Avenues Mall, this library runs alongside a charity bookshop which offers books for all age groups. All of this is part of the nationwide Let’s Read Campaign by Dar Al Atta’a. Apparently, the bookshop is actually not the first of its kind as a first branch had opened in Qurum a while back – I’m not sure if this is still operational or has any connection to the House of Prose bookshop (which had been based in the same complex).
Hardback books are priced at 2 OMR and paperbacks are 1 OMR, and I read on a poster that “all proceeds of sales help support Maktabati, Oman’s first mobile library which visits schools and fairs across the country giving children access to good books and an opportunity to develop a love of reading” – that sounds pretty good to me! As well as picking up a good read for yourself and contributing to this good cause, you can pass on your own books too at the donation points.
As for the library, it has a very cute mobile library bus design, despite being fixed, and has a warm and inviting feel to it. As soon as we entered, I let CB down on the carpeted floor and she started running around in excitement. With all the colours, armchairs, beanbags and most importantly books (!) who wouldn’t be excited?
One side is dedicated to books in English, and the other, Arabic. I also noticed a puppet show set up in one corner – I am sure CB would love to watch a performance here. We were greeted by librarian, Maythaa, who offered CB a puzzle to play with and informed us that paperback books could be purchased and hardbacks could be read on site. I am still not clear if there is a borrowing scheme, but I will find out next time. Maythaa also told us that she would be arranging events and activities at the library in the near future and to look out for details on social media. Find out more on the Let’s Read Oman Facebook and Twitter pages.
The library is open from 10am – 9pm (usually closed for lunch 1 – 3pm), everyday, on the third floor of Oman Avenues Mall.
Other book-related places/events/activities that may be of interest to you:
- The Children’s Public Library in Qurum, as already mentioned above. Unfortunately I cannot find a website for this particular library. Watch out for a post on our visit here soon.
- If you are free you can check out the 24th Muscat International Book Fair at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, a ten day event which ends this weekend (the last date is today, Saturday 2nd March). Find out more details on the OCEC Facebook page.
- Once Upon a Time: Muscat, a monthly storytelling and crafts event, usually taking place at Madinat Al Illam Park. This sounds like a really fun, creative and relaxed event – it is open to all ages, free and does not require registration. Well done to fellow mum blogger Nuzha who set up and has been running this event for the past two years now! Find out more on the Once Upon a Time: Muscat Facebook page. I think CB may be a little young for this at this stage and will just end up running away from the action and start picking at grass, but we may attend soon and hopefully meet the other attendees when she is a little older!
- Muscat Mums Book Library, which takes place at a volunteer coordinator’s home, once a month. Please note you will need to be a Muscat Mums member to attend this library and borrow books. Find out more on the Muscat Mums website.
- The Public Knowledge Library in the PDO area. I don’t know much about this, but the information on their website tells me that there are a range of books available here, including school level books.
I hope this post gave you a good idea of what the library scene is like in Muscat.
Happy reading!
Mumma in Muscat 