The Old Library

The Old Library is Dubai's leading English Language Lending Library with over 1800 family and individual members. It is a non-profit organisation which is run entirely by volunteers as a service to the Dubai community. The Library is part of the Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre (DUCTAC) which is located at the Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Barsha. The Library has a collection of over 19,000 books with well stocked specialist sections for Children, Teenagers, Adult Fiction, General Reference, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance and the Middle East. New books are purchased every month for both the Children's and Adult sections of the Library. The Library also offers a toddler's reading session, and secondhand books for sale.
LIBRARY HOURS - 2011 Saturday to Thursday: 10 am to 6 pm Fridays and Public Holidays: closed
IMPORTANT NOTICES
	Volunteer Librarians farewell Library Coordinator, Isolda Hogg (left) - April 24th 2012
FAREWELL DINNER FOR ISOLDA HOGG After eleven years as a dedicated and hardwarding volunteer Librarian and Library Coordinator, Isolda Hogg was farewelled by the Library volunteer staff at a party held at her home in Arabian Ranches. As Coordinator, Isolda has been responsible for the day to day running of the Library for six years, a duty which she has undertaken with the utmost dedication. Isolda's inspiring leadership of the large team of volunteers who have worked with her will be sorely missed by the Management Committee and all at the Old Library. We wish her well for her next exciting adventure as she seeks a peaceful haven in the expat world to retire to!		Isolda at her post in the Old Library
THANK YOU TO ASHLEY AND DEB GRITTON As members are aware, we recently updated our Library circulation system to a new system called Heritage. The process of researching and sourcing the new system was an arduous task willingly undertaken by Librarian Deborah Gritton and her husband Ashley. Once the new system was identified there followed the tricky task of installing the new system whilst keeping the Library operational at the same time, and training staff on the new system. On Tuesday 24th April the Library made a small presentation to Deborah and Ashley to thank them for their fantastic work and the wonderfully smooth transition they were able to orchestrate.		Chairperson Jenny Orford presents a thank you gift to Ashley Gritton.
AUTHOR KATIE HICKMAN VISITS THE LIBRARY The Old Library was delighted to host a session with Katie Hickman, novelist, historian and travel writer, during her visit to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in March. Katie talked to us about her life in general terms, and how she got into writing. It was a very interactive session with many Old Library members asking her questions in particular about her novels, The Aviary Gate and The Pindar Diamond, as well as one of her travel books Travels with a Circus. She was a very engaging author and we would have welcomed more time to discuss all of her books.		Katie Hickman at the Old Library
CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR THE LIBRARY Are you new to Dubai and looking for a rewarding way to spend your time and meet new people at the same time? The Library has a team of over forty dedicated volunteers who work together to run the Library. Experience is not required as introductory training is provided. If you would like to join our multi-cultural band of volunteers ask for a volunteer application form at the Circulation Desk. Teenage volunteers are also encouraged to apply. However, places for teenagers are limited so preference is given to students doing community service for the Duke of Edinburgh Award or the Baccalaureate. Ask at the circulation desk for a student volunteer form.		Volunteers enjoying a coffee morning to farewell volunteer, Michelle Morkel (back, centre).
PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME Story time for pre-schoolers continues to be very popular on Sunday mornings. However, due to space restrictions we can only accommodate a limited number at the reading sessions at any one time. If you are interested in attending the sessions with your child you must register your interest with the Library (at the Circulation Desk). You will be notified as soon as a place becomes available. Please be aware that there is a waiting list for some sessions.
EXPATWOMAN ONLINE BOOK DISCUSSION Are you new to Dubai? Are you passionate about reading? If so, and your movements are restricted but you would like to share the reading experience with like minded people check out the ExpatWoman's online book discussions. The site also provides links to bookclubs and book related activities in Dubai.
	Find out: Who we are Where we are What resources we have How we operate How to become a member How to become a volunteer How to contact us What our background is
Telephone: (+971 4) 341 4777 Ext 207