The Old Library History

EARLY ORIGINS

As the oldest English Language Library in the UAE, predating even the establishment of the UAE, the Old Library has a significent place in Dubai's History. It was founded in 1969 during the Trucial State times with a gift of books from Lady Verney of Eaton Square in London. Lady Verney sent the contents of her library to the British Political Agent in Dubai for the use of those stationed there, including her grandson. Originally operating under the name, the Dubai Lending Library, donations of books from commercial companies and members of the expatriate community enabled the library to flourish. As it became larger, a borrowing fee of 50 fils per book was instituted which allowed the Library to purchase new books and expand its services to the expatriate community. The books were originally flown in from the U.K. courtesy of the RAF and later purchased through Magrudy's Bookstore, one of the earliest and most well known English bookstores in Dubai.

The Library has had many homes and a number of name changes over the years but has continued to exist as a single entity. As a non-profit organisation, the Library has always depended on the generous support of other groups within the community in order to be able to find affordable accommodation. As the Library expanded from its humble beginnings it was moved from the home of the British Political Agent to unused offices belonging to the British Agency Commercial Department in the center of Dubai. With Dubai Municipality permission to function as a Lending Library it outgrew successive premises. When the Library shifted to premises near the Holy Trinity Church for several years, under the patronage of the Dubai-Sharjah Chaplaincy, it was re-named the Community Lending Library but later reverted to its original name when it moved to Jumeirah. In 2003, the Library was renamed 'The Old Library' to reflect its status as the oldest English Language Library in Dubai.

In 2009, the Old Library celebrated 40 years of service to the Dubai Community with a Garden Partu at the British Embassy. Guests included volunteer Librarians and many long standing members of the Library. Also represented were various organisations and groups who have supported the Library over the years. These included the British Embassy which played an important role in supporting the Library in its foundation days, the Anglican Diocese of Dubai and Sharjah and Dubai International Art Center who both played host to the Library in their respective grounds for a number of years, Magrudy Bookshop which provided the first reliable source of books in Dubai and Dubai Community Theater and Art Center (DUCTAC) who now host the Library at their premises in the Mall of the Emirates. The gathering was addressed by Sir Guy Warrington, British Consul General who welcomed the Library to his gardens, Jenny Orford, The Old Library Chairperson who outlined the History of the Library, and Brian Wilkie, founder of DUCTAC who explained the current link to DUCTAC.

Greeting Guests at the Garden Party Sir Guy Warrington and Library Staff greet guests arriving at the Garden Pary (left) and Heli Allen, long standing supporter of the Library, cuts the 40th Anniversary Cake (right) Cutting the 40th Anniversary Cake

HISTORY OF THE LIBRARY IN PICTURES

THE JUMEIRAH 1 YEARS
In 1985 the Dubai Lending Library moved into a portacabin in the grounds of the Dubai International Art Center in Jumeirah where it operated most successfully for nineteen years. In September 2002, on renewal of its trade licence, the Library was renamed the Old Library to reflect its longstanding services to the Dubai community and to distinguish it more clearly from the Dubai municipality libraries.
The Library at DIAC

The Library at Umm Suqeim
UMM SUQEIM
In 2004 the lease on the Art Center premises was terminated so that the old villa and portacabin could be demolished to make way for new villas. After a long and difficult period of uncertainty while the Library Committee searched for new premises the Library finally moved to temporary premises in an old villa in Um Suqeim in May of that year.

MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Around this time the library was invited to become part of the Dubai Community Theatre and Art Center at the Mall of the Emirates in Sheikh Zayed Road where it opened for operation in October 2006, and where it currently operates. Through the generous support of Dubai Duty free the Library now has a permanent home where it continues to grow and flourish. Since opening at the Mall of the Emirates membership has more than doubled and volunteer librarians now number more than forty.
The Library at Mall of the Emirates

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EARLY ORIGINS
As the oldest English Language Library in the UAE, predating even the establishment of the UAE, the Old Library has a significent place in Dubai's History. It was founded in 1969 during the Trucial State times with a gift of books from Lady Verney of Eaton Square in London. Lady Verney sent the contents of her library to the British Political Agent in Dubai for the use of those stationed there, including her grandson. Originally operating under the name, the Dubai Lending Library, donations of books from commercial companies and members of the expatriate community enabled the library to flourish. As it became larger, a borrowing fee of 50 fils per book was instituted which allowed the Library to purchase new books and expand its services to the expatriate community. The books were originally flown in from the U.K. courtesy of the RAF and later purchased through Magrudy's Bookstore, one of the earliest and most well known English bookstores in Dubai. The Library has had many homes and a number of name changes over the years but has continued to exist as a single entity. As a non-profit organisation, the Library has always depended on the generous support of other groups within the community in order to be able to find affordable accommodation. As the Library expanded from its humble beginnings it was moved from the home of the British Political Agent to unused offices belonging to the British Agency Commercial Department in the center of Dubai. With Dubai Municipality permission to function as a Lending Library it outgrew successive premises. When the Library shifted to premises near the Holy Trinity Church for several years, under the patronage of the Dubai-Sharjah Chaplaincy, it was re-named the Community Lending Library but later reverted to its original name when it moved to Jumeirah. In 2003, the Library was renamed 'The Old Library' to reflect its status as the oldest English Language Library in Dubai. In 2009, the Old Library celebrated 40 years of service to the Dubai Community with a Garden Partu at the British Embassy. Guests included volunteer Librarians and many long standing members of the Library. Also represented were various organisations and groups who have supported the Library over the years. These included the British Embassy which played an important role in supporting the Library in its foundation days, the Anglican Diocese of Dubai and Sharjah and Dubai International Art Center who both played host to the Library in their respective grounds for a number of years, Magrudy Bookshop which provided the first reliable source of books in Dubai and Dubai Community Theater and Art Center (DUCTAC) who now host the Library at their premises in the Mall of the Emirates. The gathering was addressed by Sir Guy Warrington, British Consul General who welcomed the Library to his gardens, Jenny Orford, The Old Library Chairperson who outlined the History of the Library, and Brian Wilkie, founder of DUCTAC who explained the current link to DUCTAC.
	Sir Guy Warrington and Library Staff greet guests arriving at the Garden Pary (left) and Heli Allen, long standing supporter of the Library, cuts the 40th Anniversary Cake (right)

HISTORY OF THE LIBRARY IN PICTURES
THE JUMEIRAH 1 YEARS In 1985 the Dubai Lending Library moved into a portacabin in the grounds of the Dubai International Art Center in Jumeirah where it operated most successfully for nineteen years. In September 2002, on renewal of its trade licence, the Library was renamed the Old Library to reflect its longstanding services to the Dubai community and to distinguish it more clearly from the Dubai municipality libraries.