Qatar National Library (QNL) has started permitting 300 people during each of the three slots daily, from Saturday to Thursday, it was announced Saturday. QNL has announced on its website more services and booking slots, including opening the library on Saturdays, which started from Saturday.
However, the library will remain closed on Fridays and visits to the library will continue by appointment only. QNL has also resumed the library public tours. The Children’s Library and the Young Adults’ Area will remain closed until further notice. A total of 300 visitors will be allowed in the building during each time slot (8am to 10am, 10.30am to 2.30pm and 3.30pm to 8pm), Saturday to Thursday.
Visitors, in the 13-60 age group, will be allowed into QNL only if they have a confirmation of their slot booking. They should have a green status on the Ehteraz app, wear face mask or shield and their body temperature should not be more than 37.8C. Visitors have to follow social distancing rules everywhere in the library and stand only on designated stickers whenever queuing. Social gatherings of more than 10 people are strictly restricted in the library and will be monitored by the security. All reading carrels may be used on a first-come, first-use basis, with only one user inside each carrel.
Those who want to borrow books, have to request them in advance at least two working days before the time slot of their library visit. They will need their library ID to self-checkout these books. The Heritage Library is reopening and the Heritage Reading Room is also available to users for selected heritage and reference materials (requests are processed on a case by case basis). Heritage Library materials are accessible primarily by requesting a digital copy via [email protected] If the requested item has not yet been digitised, it will be informed when made available.
Academic or professional researchers, have to complete an online form to schedule a virtual or in-person research consultation. A subject specialist librarian will contact them to set up the appointment.
Public group tours are now available, including the Heritage Library Exhibition Area. People need to register for a tour online and also book a visit below (choose ‘Meet in the Library’) to be allowed into the building.
The Children’s Library and the Young Adults’ Area will remain closed until further notice. Pregnant women are not allowed into the library during this phase of reopening. If visitors want to use the Innovation Stations, they need to send a booking request by email to ([email protected]). A member of the staff will get back on the request and the date and time.