Where Can I Donate Books in Dubai: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you looking to declutter your home and give your old books a new purpose? Donating books in Dubai is an excellent way to support literacy, education, and community development. This guide will explore the various options available for book donations in Dubai, helping you make an informed decision about where to contribute your literary treasures.
Public Libraries: A Prime Destination for Book Donations
Dubai’s public libraries are at the forefront of book donation initiatives, offering a convenient and impactful way to share your books with the community.
Dubai Public Library Branches
You can donate used books at any of the seven public libraries in Dubai during their working hours. Here’s a list of the branches where you can drop off your book donations:
- Al Rashidiya Library
- Al Twar Library
- Al Safa Arts and Design Library
- Hor Al Anz Library
- Umm Suqeim Library
- Hatta Public Library
- Al Mankhool Library
What to Donate
Dubai Public Libraries accept a variety of reading materials, including:
- Textbooks
- Magazines
- Pamphlets
- Storybooks
Library Timings
To make your donation, visit during these hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 8am to 8pm
- Friday: 8am to 12pm
- Saturday: Closed
Second-Hand Bookshops: Another Option for Book Donations
Several second-hand bookshops in Dubai also accept book donations. Here are some popular options:
Book Hero
Locations:
- Oasis Centre, Basement Level 1, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Umm Suqeim Park, Jumeirah
Timings:
- Monday to Friday: 10am to 10pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 11.30pm
House of Prose
Locations:
- Times Square Centre mall, parking floor, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Discovery Gardens, Discovery Gardens Pavilion
Timings: Every day from 10am to 10pm
Contact: 04 344 9021
Book World Trading
Location: Shop No. 5 and 6, Al Hudaiba Road, Satwa
Timings: Every day from 11am to 9.30pm
Archies Bookshop
Location: 11th street, Karama
Timings:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am to 9.30pm
- Friday: 2pm to 9.30pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 9.30pm
Contact: 04 3967924
The Old Library
Location: Building 7, Gold and Diamond Park
Timings:
- Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm
- Saturday: 10am to 6pm
- Sunday: 12pm to 4pm
Contact: 04 321 3939
Charitable Organizations Accepting Book Donations
Several charitable organizations in Dubai welcome book donations as part of their community support initiatives:
Dar Al Ber Society
This philanthropic organization accepts donations of old books, toys, and clothes. They have multiple offices located in places like Jumeirah, Nad Al Hamar, and Bur Dubai.
Contact: 600-575-552
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares focuses on supporting educational programs in developing countries. Book donations are an excellent way to contribute to their mission.
Contact: +971-4-450-4550
Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) Authority
The Emirates Red Crescent accepts book donations as part of their humanitarian activities. They distribute these resources to those in need both locally and internationally.
Maria Cristina Foundation
Operating since 2005, this foundation aims to provide education to underprivileged children. They accept various donations, including books.
Contact: +971-4-386-0087
Innovative Book Donation Initiatives
Festival Plaza’s Tree of Knowledge
In collaboration with Red Crescent, Festival Plaza mall has installed a “Tree of Knowledge” book share point. You can donate books and school supplies here, which will be distributed to children in need.
Freecycle Network
The Freecycle Network is a global initiative that helps reduce waste and save resources. Join their Facebook group in Dubai to donate your books to those who need them.
Reading Habits in the UAE: A Growing Trend
According to the 2023 UAE National Reading Index:
- The average number of books read annually per person has increased to 7 in 2023, up from 6 in 2021.
- 90.4% of readers use social media sites for reading, compared to 88.1% in 2021.
- 53.4% of readers purchase books online, while 27.6% buy at book fairs.
This data highlights the growing importance of reading in the UAE, making book donations even more valuable to the community.
Public Libraries: A Prime Destination for Book Donations
Dubai Public Libraries accept book donations at their seven branches across the city. You can donate textbooks, magazines, pamphlets, and storybooks during their working hours2. The libraries are open Sunday to Thursday from 8am to 8pm, and Friday from 8am to 12pm2.
Second-Hand Bookshops Accepting Donations
Several second-hand bookshops in Dubai welcome book donations, including:
- Book Hero (locations in Oasis Centre and Umm Suqeim Park)
- House of Prose (branches in Times Square Centre and Discovery Gardens)
- Book World Trading (in Satwa)
- Archies Bookshop (in Karama)
- The Old Library (in Gold and Diamond Park)2
Charitable Organizations for Book Donations
Various charitable organizations in Dubai accept book donations as part of their community initiatives:
- Dubai Cares: Focuses on supporting educational programs1
- Emirates Red Crescent: Distributes donated books locally and internationally3
- Maria Cristina Foundation: Aims to provide education to underprivileged children4
Innovative Book Donation Initiatives
- Festival Plaza’s Tree of Knowledge: In collaboration with Red Crescent, this mall has installed a book share point where you can donate books and school supplies3.
- Freecycle Network: Join their Facebook group in Dubai to donate books directly to those who need them4.
FAQs
- Can I donate books in languages other than English or Arabic?
Yes, most donation centers accept books in various languages, reflecting Dubai’s diverse population. - Are there any restrictions on the types of books I can donate?
Generally, books should be in good condition. Some centers may not accept textbooks older than 5 years or books with excessive writing or damage. - Do I need to sort the books before donating?
While not always required, sorting books by genre or age group can be helpful for the receiving organization. - Can I get a tax deduction for my book donations in Dubai?
Unlike some countries, the UAE doesn’t offer tax deductions for charitable donations. However, your contribution still makes a significant impact. - Are there any book donation drives during specific times of the year?
Yes, many organizations conduct special book donation drives during Ramadan or the back-to-school season.
Conclusion
Donating books in Dubai is a simple yet impactful way to support education and literacy in the community. Whether you choose to donate to public libraries, second-hand bookshops, or charitable organizations, your contributions can make a significant difference in someone’s life. By sharing your books, you’re not just decluttering your space; you’re opening up new worlds of knowledge and imagination for others.
Remember, before donating, ensure your books are in good condition and contact the organization if you’re unsure about their acceptance criteria. Your act of giving can spark a love for reading in someone else, contributing to a more literate and educated society in Dubai and beyond.
