DOHA: Visitors to Katara Cultural Village during the weekend got a new experience at the Corniche.
For Vindya an Indian expatriate, it was a search for good fiction at Katara’s used book gallery.
“I could find different types of books here, it’s a good idea since it’s free and we can read and return. Hope more people will bring their unwanted books here,” she said.
Another visitor to the gallery said, “I have taken some books for my children, and looking for books on Islam. During the first week of this gallery there were more books, now less, it shows there are many takers.”
The initiative, which involves collecting donated books and giving them for free to those who love to read, was launched by Katara last week. Hundreds of books, mainly in Arabic and English, on various topics are available during the weekend.
People can borrow or take maximum three books at a time.
Used books are kept in special booths near Katara beach on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Readers can pick what they want to read on these days from 4pm until midnight.
Those who wish to donate used books for the project can call 66644031 or deliver them at Katara Building 22, first floor.
The gallery has been launched to promote reading, as data show that reading habit is less in Qatar.
According to a survey by Childhood Cultural Centre, more than 30 percent of Qatari children say they don’t have time to read, and 26 percent complain about not having access to books of their interest.
Sixteen percent did not find any compelling reason to read, and 15 percent faced problem selecting the right books. A similar percentage of children had problem with the language. They found the language tough for their level.
The survey found that out of the small number who takes interest in reading, about two-thirds preferred fiction and books on adventure, and the remaining liked reading books on religion and poetry. The Peninsula
