r/dubai•
Irrell

The Old Library is looking for volunteers & members!

Fun

Hey r/Dubai !

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I couldn't find any posts on the sub regarding the Old Library so thought I should share.

The Old Library is an all-English non-profit library completely run by volunteers that has been running for nearly 50 years now. Alas, it's an amazing place that deserves more recognition.

It's been relocated recently to Emaar's Gold & Diamond Park (right in front of First Abu Dhabi Bank Metro Station).

You can find the article regarding the recent opening on the National here.

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If you're curious to what books are available, you can access the online catalogue from their website here.

There's a whole section dedicated to children's books as well as dedicated story-time for your little ones every Sunday!

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Full disclosure - I'm one of the many volunteers of this amazing place and know that such a place deserves more recognition (I had only found out about it the year before!).

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Normally they would also accept book donations, unfortunately right now they're on hold as we currently have too many books that aren't in circulation. However, we will be accepting donations in the near future!!

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Please share this as we would love to increase the public awareness for this amazing space!

Posted Feb 25, 2019, 12:32 PM UTC

3416
TheModernPaeanThe Real MP•

What kinda volunteer work? Stacking and etc?

7
gummersyo gabba gabba•

Serious reply:. Not one person is paid to work at that library. So on a regular shift you'll have stacking, issuing/returning books, covering books, helping members find books, repairing books, collecting fines, issuing new memberships, tidying up. After a while volunteers with the interest and time can also join to do other more specific tasks, like books buying, accounting, story time, or even join the management committee.

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TheModernPaeanThe Real MP•

A few hours here and there can definitely be managed... better than just chilling at home watching Netflix.

3
gummersyo gabba gabba•

The library requires that volunteers commit to one 4 hour shift a week. 10-2 or 2-6.

2
TheModernPaeanThe Real MP•

I don't think I'll be able to honour this commitment due to my erratic schedule :(

Is it a minimum number of weeks? Coz I can definitely do either shift this Saturday.

2
caedriel•

+1

2
gummersyo gabba gabba•

Sign up and I'll make sure you are properly trained.

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TheModernPaeanThe Real MP•

Does your training style involve whips? 🤤

3
Traffic_Spiral•

Don't be silly! She's a librarian - obviously you get spanked with a ruler.

3
mzeld•

This is super cool! Would love to do a feature on you guys in moderneast.com

Could you please PM me your contacts?

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gummersyo gabba gabba•

Pm sent..

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aldebaran0507•

I'm up for it. Please also let us know more about volunteering.

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Inkedwithhate•

Happy to help! Pm contact details please :)

3
gerbil_111•

Is this the library that was running from a portable building on Jumeira beach?

2
gummersyo gabba gabba•

No, it's a membership library with 25k books that was previously located in Ductac.

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[deleted]•

[deleted]

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