Dubai Public Library celebrates new identity with huge ‘book’ displays

• 13 ft tall models of popular books on display at key locations

Dubai Public Library, operating under the umbrella of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), is celebrating its new identity with huge displays of best-seller books in key locations across the city.

The eye-catching displays in, Safa Park, The Dubai Mall, and Al Rashidiya, add to the excitement associated with the ongoing Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Chief Projects Manager, Dubai Culture, said the large-sized display of ‘books’ is to draw attention to the new and energised role of Dubai Public Library, which are an integral part of the community.

“While the Arab world including the UAE has impressive literacy figures, readership habits tend to decline with the onset of technology. With the over-sized books, we are drawing the attention of the public to the sheer joy of reading, and reminding them that their choice of books and reference materials can be accessed at the Dubai Public Library.”

He added: “The locations and titles chosen for the displays have also been carefully selected to highlight their social and cultural relevance to the city. Al Safa Park has been selected, for example, to highlight its proximity to the archeological sites in Dubai.”

A model of renowned author Alexander McCall Smith’s book ‘Blue Shoes and Happiness’ is displayed at The Dubai Mall; while cookery and lifestyle author Anjum Anand’s  ‘Eat Right for Your Body Type’ draws the crowds at Safa Park; and Emirati author Nujoom Al Ghanem’s ‘Manazel Al Jilnar’ is the attraction at Al Rashidiya.

Some of the authors participating at the Festival of Literature are expected to visit the ‘book’ displays and interact with the public.

Dubai Public Library offers members a wealth of educational experiences including access to books in several languages from around the world, referral materials, audio-visual materials including films and CDs, and a vast pool of study and research databases. Membership is open to all UAE and GCC nationals as well as UAE residents and UAE-registered organisations.