National Library Launches Innovative Childrens Book Exchange Initiative

The National Library, a division of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), has initiated an innovative book exchange programme to encourage and enthuse a new, younger generation of bookworms.

Under a campaign theme Your old book.is my new book, a series of collection points across the city have been established as drop-off points for unwanted childrens books with the intention of distributing them to readers in need and establishing libraries in nurseries, schools and centres with limited resources.

Since January 2015, the National Library has received 1,400 childrens story books and encyclopedias, and this initiative distributes them to a number of schools who are establishing their own libraries to foster a culture of knowledge exchange, said Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Library Management Department Director at the National Library.

Children have an insatiable appetite for reading, and if we are able to facilitate greater access to books through this initiative, we will ultimately encourage more children to absorb knowledge and learn, added Al Ali.

Your old book.is my new book collection boxes can be found in five locations in the capital including Khalifa Park, Mazyad Mall and Al Bahia libraries, Abu Dhabi Municipality and Nation Towers, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority headquarters building on the Corniche. An additional collection point has been placed within Zayed next to Al Salimiah Park in the oasis city of Al Ain.

All donated books must be in good condition and suitable for children, and school curriculum books are not accepted.

Established in 1981, The National Library is one of the UAEs largest knowledge treasuries and an important resource for intellectuals, scholars and scientists and develops, expands and spreads its activities throughout Abu Dhabi emirate through the establishment of regional, community and childrens library resources.