Children's Collection
The children's section is a major draw, with plenty of books for young readers, including preschoolers and a five-year-old visitor's favourites.
The Old Library
Al Quoz
The Old Library is a cosy, volunteer-run library in Al Quoz with a varied English-language collection for children, teenagers and adults. Membership lets families borrow books affordably, while story-time sessions and a welcoming children's area give younger readers a reason to return.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
160 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Wide Range
Reviews describe a varied collection spanning fiction, non-fiction, adult, teen and children's books, with more than 25,000 titles reported.
Good Value
One membership review says borrowers can take up to eight books for nearly a month, making regular reading cheaper than buying books.
Helpful Volunteers
Volunteers explain membership terms, help visitors and keep the library running; some reviewers have been members for eight to ten years or more.
Reading Events
Storytelling is part of the library experience, with reviews mentioning regular sessions for junior readers and a junior book club.
Book Requests
A reviewer says visitors can request a particular book and the library may obtain it if it is not already in the collection.
Free Parking
Reviews mention parking behind the library and free parking options in the surrounding area.
Tips for a Better Visit
Track Deadlines. Return books on time: the reported late fee is 1 AED per book per day.
Ask About Requests. If you cannot find a title, ask whether it can be requested; one member says the library obtains books it does not have.
Plan Parking. Look behind the library for parking, as a visitor specifically reported spaces there.
Expect Lending. Treat the visit mainly as borrowing rather than settling in to study, since reviews describe no space to sit and read.
Check Events. Ask about the next children's storytelling session or junior book club if you are visiting with young readers.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Gold & Diamond Park - Building 7
Al Qouz Ind.third - Al Quoz, Dubai
| Mon | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tue | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wed | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thu | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Fri | Closed |
| Sat | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sun | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Story time sessions
Story time sessions are held for junior readers, with one review describing them as a monthly activity.
Free books and discounted gems
Special slots for free books and discounted finds give members another way to discover titles.
Common Concerns
Limited Space
This is a small lending library rather than a study hall; reviewers say there is little or no room to sit and read.
Late Fees
Late returns can cost 1 AED per book per day, so the borrowing deadline matters.
No Refunds
One reviewer says the annual subscription has no partial refund if you cancel after paying.
Reading Rules
A first-time visitor reported being asked not to stay and read inside, which may surprise families expecting a bookstore-style browsing experience.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
200aed
annual membership
“It's only 200aed for annual membership and you can borrow 8 books at a time”Google review · February 2020
1 aed per book per day
late return
“This is a warning, Late return will cost you 1 aed per book per day”Google review · September 2023
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
The Old Library is a small, volunteer-run lending library in Al Quoz, and its strongest reason to visit is the breadth of its English-language collection. Reviews mention books for preschoolers, children, teenagers and adults, with one long-time member reporting more than 25,000 titles. Families can borrow several books at once rather than continually buying them, and one recent review specifically praises borrowing up to eight books for nearly a month.
Children are especially well catered for. The library has a dedicated children's section, a colourful corner with painted steps, and story-time sessions for junior readers. A junior book club is also mentioned, so it is worth asking what is scheduled before you go.
If a title is missing, one reviewer says staff can accept a request and obtain it. The atmosphere is friendly and community-minded, thanks to the volunteers who run the service and explain membership. Parking is mentioned behind the library, with other reviews describing ample or free parking nearby.
Keep expectations realistic, though: this is a compact borrowing space, not a study lounge. Reviews say there is little or no room to sit and read, and late returns reportedly cost 1 AED per book per day. Check cancellation terms before committing to an annual membership.