Today I saw an amazing sampling of libraries in Bahrain, visiting a religious girls school, a mixed private school, and the Bahrain National Library. I was incredibly lucky to have the beautiful Eman Nooruddin as my guide, as without her support and connections I would have never had access to the girls school, which was hugely important for me in understanding what resources are acceptable in conservative Muslim libraries.
Mixed Private School
The amazing children’s section
The children’s section has separate sections for Arabic and English books, both languages of which are taught in the curriculum.
A room for quiet reading and play in the library.
I loved the variety of recommendations in the secondary school section – Bush or Bieber? What is your preference?
The library has a strong emphasis on local issues and figures
The recommended reading wall shows a huge variety – Life of Pi, The Help, The Diary of Anne Frank – which is a part of their curriculum.
Religious Girls School
Bahrain National Library
