A Day at the MIA Library

As the new academic year kicks off, MIA Library becomes the perfect place for a curiousity-filled afternoon. Spend a few hours in the book-filled halls, browse the shelves, work on your research or join one of the library’s programmes and activities. Here are seven things must-dos for MIA Library.

1. Join a Library Orientation Tour

If you’re visiting the library for the first time, start with an introduction from the library team. The drop-in orientation tours cover the collections, services and study spaces. The team can also tailor the tour to your interests, whether you’d like to explore the children’s section, rare book collection or research resources.

Tours usually take 15–20 minutes, and no advance booking is required.

2. Get help with your research

Library staff can help you find books, articles, exhibition catalogues and other resources related to Islamic art, history and culture. Students, researchers and academics can also arrange one-to-one research support with the library team.

To book a research session contact MIA Library

3. Find a place to read and study

The library has quiet study spaces for visitors, as well as study rooms for one or two people. Free Wi-Fi and computers are also available in the reading room.

4. Explore the collection

The MIA Library holds more than 27,000 books in Arabic, English and other languages, covering Islamic art, history and culture. Its rare book collection includes more than 7,000 holdings.

Many of the rare books have been digitised and are available to explore online, alongside e-books, journals and other digital resources.

5. Bring the family

The children’s area gives younger visitors a space of their own, with books, colouring activities and games. The library also hosts Storytime and other activities for children and families, connecting stories with art, culture and history.

Some children’s activities are offered on a drop-in basis, while others require registration. Each activity is designed for a specific age group.

6. Join a programme

The library’s programme is refreshed each month, with activities for children, teenagers and adults, from creative workshops and storytelling to book discussions and film screenings.

Majlis Book Club

The MIA Book Club brings readers together to discuss selected books and explore ideas connected to literature, history, culture and art.

Majlis Film Club

Film Club features screenings of films and documentaries followed by discussions exploring themes related to art, history and culture.

Planet Teens Club

Planet Teens offers teenagers a space to explore literature, art and contemporary issues through creative workshops, discussions and activities.

Planet Kids Club

Through creative activities, crafts and reading, Planet Kids Club encourages children to explore the connections between books, art and the museum’s collections.

Storytime at the MIA Library

Storytime introduces young children and families to new stories and themes inspired by art, culture and history, helping to nurture a love of reading from an early age.

7. Discover seasonal programmes

Alongside its regular programme, the MIA Library offers special workshops, displays and activities throughout the year. Seasonal programmes offer opportunities to explore the museum’s collections through different themes and creative approaches.

Seasonal programmes include:

Spinning Label Lab

A creative workshop developed in collaboration with Cambridge School of Art, where participants choose an object from the Museum of Islamic Art, design a label and turn it into a spinning artwork.

The Astrolabe: Taker of the Stars

A display featuring the work of Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) graduate Khawla Al-Essa, exploring storytelling, heritage and visual communication through contemporary design.

MIA Summer Camp 2026 in collaboration with the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya)

A summer programme combining museum learning, Islamic art, science, culture and hands-on activities. Developed in collaboration with the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), the programme included sports, swimming, leadership and adventure activities, alongside specialised workshops and an educational visit to the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM).

Explore What’s On to discover upcoming MIA Library events, workshops and activities.

Hissa Al Hitmi is Digital Editorial Coordinator at Qatar Museums.