King Fahd National Library is one of the most prominent cultural landmarks in Saudi Arabia. It was established with the support of the Riyadh Development Authority, which donated the land for its construction. The authority oversaw the project from administrative, engineering, and architectural perspectives, with the design and construction financed by the citizens.
The library was later transformed into a national library by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, representing the cultural side of Saudi Arabia. It was connected to the Prime Minister’s Office but retained its independent status, making it one of the most significant cultural and heritage libraries in the world today.
King Fahd National Library Overview
Located in the heart of Riyadh, King Fahd National Library was built to celebrate King Fahd’s ascension to the throne in 1983 (1403 Hijri). Construction began in 1986 on a site of 58,000 square meters, which was later expanded to 87,000 square meters. This includes a beautiful green park of 30,000 square meters and a long walkway of 38,000 square meters, alongside an old library building and an underground parking lot with a capacity of around 300 cars.
The library building features unique architectural design with exquisite marble carvings. It consists of a ground floor and three majestic upper floors that house the library’s sections and a resting area. The grand structure is adorned with a splendid dome.
Objectives of King Fahd National Library
In 1410 Hijri (1990), a ministerial decision (No. 80) was issued to establish a new library system and administrative structure for the library, aiming to achieve several cultural objectives, including:
- Collecting all publications and documents in the Kingdom, as well as efforts by Saudis published abroad.
- Preserving all articles and manuscripts related to Saudi Arabia, including vital subjects and intellectual and cultural production.
- Assisting in studying and replicating human civilizations’ aspects in cultural and historical contexts.
- Gathering rare books, manuscripts, and heritage publications, especially those related to Islamic and Arab civilization.
- Developing Saudi documentation tools like unified indexes and national bibliographies, and establishing information preservation standards.
- Providing reference services and studies for review within government and private sectors.
- Organizing international cultural exhibitions as significant as the World Expo.
- Exchanging information and establishing cultural cooperation with international organizations and global libraries.
- Representing Saudi Arabia at international conferences and cultural events.
- Launching informational investment programs and creating cooperative networks with various information centers.
- Reviewing and publishing research related to library science and information management.
- Planning national systems for heritage and intellectual libraries and coordinating with specialized institutions in information, manuscripts, and documents.
Features and Services of King Fahd National Library
King Fahd National Library offers a range of digital services and on-site benefits, including:
- Library guidance services, membership creation, and ongoing updates.
- Access to selective broadcasting, document reproduction, and reference services.
- Free entry to King Fahd Library with a membership.
- Free and fast Wi-Fi for library visitors.
- Offering cultural, developmental, and training courses conducted by specialists and experts.
Sections of King Fahd National Library
The national library is well-organized with various sections, including:
- Rare magazines and newspapers section.
- National archive for photographs.
- Manuscripts section.
- Library news bulletin section.
- Library magazine section.
- General index section.
- Unified Saudi index section.
- Library publications section.
Entry Conditions for King Fahd National Library
The library has specific rules and conditions for entry, including:
- Children aged 5 to 10 years are allowed entry.
- Male children over 10 years old are not permitted.
- Children must be accompanied by a guardian such as a parent or an older sibling (18 years or older).
- Individuals can enter without a prior appointment, but schools and groups must book an appointment online before visiting the library.
How to Register at King Fahd National Library
To register electronically at the library, follow these steps:
- Visit the digital library platform from here.
- Click on “Register New” from the top menu.
- Choose “Register New User” or log in via the National Access.
- Fill in personal registration details such as name, email, and date of birth.
- Specify gender, phone number, qualification, and country.
- Enter your ID or passport number (10 digits).
- Create and confirm a strong password.
- Agree to the library’s terms and conditions.
- Click “Register” and log in to the platform again.
How to Book an Appointment at King Fahd National Library
To avoid overcrowding and prevent being turned away, it is recommended to book an appointment in advance:
- Go to the national library’s digital platform as described previously.
- Access “Electronic Services” and then “Book Appointment” or click this link.
- Log in with your name and password.
- Select a suitable date and submit a visit request.
How to Search at King Fahd National Library
Use the library’s search box to find documents and manuscripts quickly:
- Open the library’s homepage.
- Click on the “King Fahd Library Index” tab.
- Fill in the search fields with your topics of interest.
- Click “Search” and wait for the results.
Employment Conditions at King Fahd National Library
The library aims to employ young men and women and provides a platform for job applications at this link. The main conditions include:
- Applicants must hold a diploma or bachelor’s degree.
- Passing cognitive ability tests related to civil services.
- Non-educational specializations are prioritized over educational ones.
- Providing an equivalency decision from the Ministry of Education for degrees obtained abroad.
- Conducting personal interviews with candidates and selecting those with the highest scores.
- Final approval is contingent on verifying candidates’ data and successful interview performance.
Contact Information for King Fahd National Library
Here are the main contact methods for the library:
- Phone Number: 0114186111
- Email: portal@kfnl.gov.sa
- Contact Us Platform: Access here
- Facebook Account: Access here
- X (formerly Twitter) Account: Access here
- Fax Number: 0114186222
- Library App: Download from here
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the library’s working hours?
King Fahd National Library is open from Sunday to Tuesday (8:30 AM – 3:30 PM).
Does the library sell books?
Yes, you can purchase books and publications published by the library only.
How many books and manuscripts are in the library?
The library holds over 2 million documents.
Does the library provide services to everyone?
The library services are available to individuals aged 18 and above.
Who is the Director of King Fahd National Library?
The library is headed by Mr. Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, while the Secretary-General is Mr. Khalid bin Talal bin Badr Al Saud.
This concludes the essential information about King Fahd National Library, a significant cultural and heritage institution in Saudi Arabia. It is a valuable resource for all Saudis, so don’t miss the opportunity to book an appointment online and visit this cultural landmark to learn more about the Kingdom’s history and heritage.
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