Dhi Qar Central Library expands with digital initiatives

DHI QAR — The Central Public Library in Dhi Qar, established in 1945 and housed in its current building since 1975, has grown into one of the governorate’s most important cultural landmarks. The library preserves more than 20,000 rare printed books and hosts a digital collection of about 200,000 titles.

Library director Abbas Sajat told 964media that staff and residents “preserved this heritage from theft and looting.” He said the library is expanding its electronic resources through cooperation with the Imam Hussain and Abbas shrines. “The modern digital library we established includes nearly 200,000 books, and we are currently working to develop it… There is an agreement with the secretary-general of the shrine to bring in five million new books next week,” he said.

Sajat noted new services such as a “mobile digital library,” a bus that brings access to books across the governorate, and the “Gate of Knowledge” project, which allows readers to access titles via QR codes. The library operates in morning and evening shifts.

Ghaith Shno, head of the electronic division, said the new system has simplified research for students. “The electronic division helps researchers and students through a program that allows them to quickly search for books. A student can give us the name of the book or author, and we provide the book’s number immediately, which saves time and effort,” he said. He added that PDF copies are available and QR code technology has been introduced, making the library the first in Dhi Qar to adopt this system.

Sabihah Nouri, head of the trustees, said the library sees strong turnout, with more than 25 visitors daily during research season. “The subjects of the books range from history, law, and literature to the sciences in all their branches,” she said. “We also preserve a collection of old books that remain in the library.”