During the holidays, CB and I decided to visit the Children’s Public Library in Muscat for the first time. This building is located in Qurum and can always be spotted from the car when passing by on Sultan Qaboos St. It has been on our list for a while, but we have not previously attempted to visit as children 3 years and younger are not permitted to enter. And well, covid happened too.
So now that CB is 5 and we are more able to go out and about, thankfully, we decided to check it out. As far as I am aware, it’s the only large-scale library, open to the public, in Muscat. The other library options we have discovered are the Muscat Mums Book Library (run by mum volunteers) and the Dar Al Atta’a Let’s Read Library (which seems to be mostly closed these days).
Entry is free and there are several sections and floors dedicated for different purposes and different age groups.
Upon arrival, we put some of our bags and shoes in the cubby holes just outside the library entrance and was asked by the librarian to read the rules before entering.
We spent time in the play area with role playing toys and soft seating. It seems like a nice place to have a play date, but it must be kept in mind that noise levels should be kept to a minimum, as it is a library after all.
Later, we moved to the space with chairs and tables and did some colouring after collecting some pencils and activity sheets (available at the front desk).
Then we got to reading! Books cannot be borrowed, only read on site, but that did not stop us from browsing the shelves and selecting and enjoying a nice story, whilst overlooking an amazing spanning view of Qurum Nature Reserve.
In the middle we also stepped out to have some drinks and snacks in a seating area designated for this purpose, directly outside the library (but still within the building).
The library is closed on Fridays but open on all other days.
Opening Hours:
Sunday – Wednesday: 10AM – 2PM, 4PM – 8PM
Thursday: 10AM – 2PM
Saturday: 10:30AM – 5:30PM
Find out more about the Children’s Public Library Oman and events and activities on their website, which has a lot of useful information.
P.S. If you are wondering about the Oman Children’s Museum (the dome shaped building near to the library building) as we were, I was told by a local individual that unfortunately this has been closed for some time now.
Mumma in Muscat 