Doha, Qatar: Qatar National Library (QNL) is making a strong impression at the 35th edition of the Doha International Book Fair, the largest in the event’s history, with interactive AI-powered experiences and a special focus on Qatar’s rich history and cultural heritage.
In an interview with The Peninsula, Senior Specialist in PR and Marketing at QNL, Ghada Al Mawlawi, expressed pride in the library’s participation, noting that the institution has consistently elevated its presence at the annual fair.
“We participate every year and every year we get a booth with the most engaging activities,” she said.
This year, QNL has integrated artificial intelligence into two standout activities. The “Literary Twin” allows visitors to take a quick quiz on their reading preferences, matching them with an author whose style aligns with their personality. For children, “Be Your Own Hero” lets kids take a selfie and receive a customised story where they become the protagonist.
Additional attractions include a Virtual Tour of the library, the “Level Up Your Free Knowledge Shopping Spree” game showcasing membership benefits, and the Ibn Battuta Interactive Table, which traces the famous traveller’s journeys. These initiatives reflect QNL’s commitment to making knowledge accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
A key highlight of this year’s fair is Qatar serving as the guest country of honour, with many booths, including QNL’s, revolving around the nation’s history. “This is a special moment for us as Qatar National Library and the book fair as well,” Al Mawlawi noted.
The growing reading culture in Qatar, among both citizens and expatriates, was another positive theme. Al Mawlawi highlighted increasing book borrowings year after year, with physical books remaining as popular as e-books. “We see it as equally popular,” she said, adding that fiction and self-help titles are particularly in demand.
QNL’s Qatar Reads initiative continues to play a vital role in nurturing reading habits from a young age through family subscription programmes that deliver books and activities monthly. The family programme stands out as one of the library’s most successful efforts in fostering a love for reading early on.
Membership registrations are expected to rise further thanks to interactive games at the booth that encourage downloads of the QNL mobile app. The library already welcomes new members on a monthly basis.
With over one million physical volumes and a substantial collection of e-books and audiobooks, QNL serves as a dynamic hub for the community. “It is a safe space for everyone,” Al Mawlawi emphasised, recalling how patrons eagerly return whenever the library reopens after closures.
The institution maintains strong international ties, most notably a long-standing partnership with the British Library spanning over a decade. Through the Qatar Digital Library project, historical documents are digitised and made freely accessible worldwide, benefiting researchers, professors, and scholars globally.
Looking ahead, Al Mawlawi encouraged the public to follow QNL’s social media channels and website for updates on monthly events, workshops, and lectures. “We have many events that happen every month and it’s changeable,” she said.
As the fair enters its later days at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, Al Mawlawi urged everyone yet to visit to make the trip. “It’s developing. It’s getting bigger every year. So I would encourage everyone to have a visit here.”
QNL’s vibrant participation underscores Qatar’s broader commitment to culture, knowledge, and innovation, reinforcing the country’s position as a hub for intellectual exchange in the region.
With record-breaking participation, vibrant cultural programming and an expanding international presence, this year’s Doha International Book Fair has further cemented its status as one of the Gulf region’s premier cultural events and a key driver of Qatar’s growing intellectual and literary landscape.
