Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa National Library Isa Cultural Centre (ICC), Bahrain

Overview

The Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa National Library is the national library of the Kingdom of Bahrain, housed within the Isa Cultural Centre (ICC) in Juffair, Manama. The library is affiliated with the Isa Cultural Centre, a national cultural complex under the Royal Court of Bahrain named in memory of the late Amir, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, founder of modern Bahrain. The centre was officially opened on 18 December 2008 by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

History and Founding

The idea for the Isa Cultural Centre originated with a petition submitted by Bahraini citizens to the late Amir in 1998. The project was developed through a combination of community donations and contributions from public and private institutions. The ICC complex includes the National Library, a national archives department (established by Royal Decree No. 31/2015), art galleries, a conference hall, an Islamic museum, and a manuscript archive. The Historical Documentation Centre, a precursor institution, was founded in 1978.

Collections and Holdings

The National Library holds approximately 100,000 volumes, with the Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalid Al Khalifa Reading Room containing 7,083 book titles, of which around 88% are in Arabic and the remainder in English, including rare editions, bibliographies, encyclopaedias, and historical works on Bahrain and the Gulf. The library collects and preserves national intellectual production, manuscripts, rare books, and government publications. A children's library operates on the premises. The library's six-year strategic plan aims to expand printed and digital collections, acquire rare manuscripts, and digitize holdings in alignment with global standards.

Access and Usage

The library is open to the public and provides advanced library services to readers of all ages across Bahraini society. Services include reading rooms, a children's library, cultural events, poetry nights, and book launches. The ICC also hosts a national archives department open for research pursuant to Royal Decree No. 31/2015.