Looking for a great place to enrich your child’s education and share some quality time? Check out the library!

Bateen Children’s Library

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) has big plans to open libraries throughout the capital, but the branch dedicated to children is already open in Bateen, right next door to the Embassy of Ireland in the city block behind THE One off 30th/Khaleej Al Arabi. In addition to a huge collection of books for children in both English and Arabic, the library also hosts events for children and their parents including story reading mornings and interactive story telling sessions. To find out more, call 02 657 6330 or visit www.adach.ae. Be sure to drop by the library from 8am to 4pm or 5pm to 7.30pm every day but Friday.

Al Shaheen Library

The Reader’s Club started as a family venture nine years ago. “Initially we put up our own personal collection, which included books from my sons Anwar and Asif,” says founder Ms Aisha. “Even my brother Faisal donated his entire collection. Later, as our collection of books increased, we moved into bigger premises. Though there is no monetary gain from this business, the twinkle in the eyes of the kids and the smiles on the faces of the book lovers are my profit.”

The collection has since grown from 600 to over 20,000 books with around 400 members – little wonder considering their variety, including a huge selection of vintage comic books. You can find Al Shaheen just off 7th/Electra Street between 6th/Najda Street and 8th/Salam. For directions or more information, call 02 676 8995 or visit www.booklovers.8k.com.

Daly Library

Readers of all nationalities and religions will enjoy the collection at this long standing library located in the Community Centre of St Andrews compound (check out their website for a map and directions www.standrewauh.org). With over 7,000 fiction and non-fiction books in the English language alone, you can find something for everyone, young and old. Newly published books and best sellers are added every month. Joining fees are AED 50 for children 14 and under, AED 90 for adults plus an annual subscription of AED 60 for children and AED 120 for adults.

Laura Fulton