A Unique Library with an Inspiring Space

Al Safa Art & Design Library serves as a dynamic platform where members of the creative community can meet, create, work, research and read

Book Shelves Area at Al Safa LibraryDubai Culture & Arts Authority

The library holds an impressive collection spanning over 62,500 books, surrounded by art installations, paintings and photographs.

Reading Space at Al Safa LibraryDubai Culture & Arts Authority

It features a beautifully designed art gallery space and a creative space where emerging designers, architects and artists can collaborate, support each other’s work.

Reading Space at Al Safa Library (2020) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

And offering access to a large collection of books and resources covering various fields of art and design including fine art, architecture, calligraphy, music, performing art and many more.

An exterior image of Al Safa Library (2020) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

Al Safa Art & Design Library, which originally opened in 1989, reintroduced its space to the public in March 2019. The month of March is marked as the UAE’s National Month of Reading.

It is designed to reflect the Dubai Public Libraries’ purpose as prominent centres for knowledge and culture in the emirate, and to support its National Reading Strategy.

Children's reading Space at Al Safa LibraryDubai Culture & Arts Authority

In its design, the library embodies Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of creating quiet, spacious and beautiful urban spaces for reflection that express the sublimity of contemplation and aloofness.

It is home to modern multi-purpose rooms and work areas, as well as a dedicated children’s library that has been designed to engage the younger generation with an activity room, a media room, a book room, a piano and an interactive digital wall, green wall and feature wall.

Book Shelves Area at Al Safa Library (2020) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

The Dubai Public Library network includes eight libraries for adults and another seven for children, as well as multi-purpose halls and classrooms.

All Dubai Public Library branches are connected and have links with other modern libraries, providing access to vast sources of information and knowledge on an immense diversity of topics in both Arabic and English.

An exterior image of Al Safa Library (2020) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

Even in the digital age and the era of e-books, there is something special about visiting a library and reading a book there, right from extensive biographies to nail-biting mysteries.

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