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Kuwait National Library … 14 years on a beacon of culture and heritage

Fourteen years since its inauguration in February 2011, the Kuwait National Library continues to remain a pillar of knowledge and culture, hosting official and community events — a central hub for reading and cultural enrichment.

Suham Al-Azmi, Director-General of the National Library, emphasized its foundational role, noting that it was established under Amiri Decree No. 52 of 1994, designating it as the State’s official library and national bibliographic center, reports Al-Rai daily.

Al-Azmi outlined the library’s mission, as defined in Article Two of the decree: “to collect, document, organize, and preserve Kuwait’s national intellectual and cultural heritage in all its forms.” This includes local and regional works relating to the Gulf, Arab Peninsula, and broader Arab-Islamic civilization, in addition to curated international collections relevant to Kuwait and the region.

The library has forged numerous partnerships with academic and governmental institutions, including Kuwait University, Kuwait College of Technology, and Kuwait Oil Company. It has also collaborated with several Arab and foreign embassies to organize joint cultural events.

Internationally, it maintains active cooperation with renowned libraries and institutions such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Library (Dubai), Qatar National Library, Isa Cultural Center, Ottoman Archives, British Library, King Abdulaziz Public Library, and regional organizations like the Arab Federation for Libraries and the Specialized Libraries Association (Arabian Gulf branch).

Al-Azmi highlighted the library’s vibrant calendar of events, including children’s programs, initiatives for people with special needs, and literary gatherings. It also plays a central role in national festivals organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters—such as Qurain Cultural Festival, Summer Cultural Festival, and the Music Festival.

Notably, 2025 marks Kuwait’s celebration as the Capital of Arab Culture, and the National Library will reportedly host a series of major cultural events to commemorate this occasion.

The library is open to the public Sunday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visitors can explore a wide range of materials including books, periodicals, academic theses, and databases. Dedicated study rooms are also available for students and researchers.

In 2024, the National Library received 4,730 visitors for study and reading, while public libraries across the country welcomed 12,896 visitors and hosted 530 cultural and educational events.





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