Libraries Commission (Saudi Arabia)

On June 18, 2020, the Libraries Commission announced an initiative to transform public libraries into cultural platforms that foster knowledge, engagement, and interaction among individuals from various societal segments. The initiative, managed by the Libraries Commission, aims to establish 153 public libraries across Saudi regions in two phases:13 libraries to be completed by 2022, with the remainder finalized by 2030.^[3][4]

On May 27, 2021, the Commission launched its strategy to develop the library sector in Saudi Arabia, guided by a new vision aimed at elevating and transforming libraries from mere information repositories into comprehensive cultural platforms. These platforms host engaging activities and events for community members while continuing to promote reading habits, enrich knowledge, and enhance information awareness.^[5]

The strategy encompassed multiple initiatives serving the library sector, partners, and the broader community, reflecting the pivotal role libraries play in achieving the objectives of the Ministry of Culture, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Libraries are envisioned as collaborative, developmental cultural platforms within an engaging environment, focused on fostering skills, ensuring lifelong learning, promoting business development, innovation, and invention, enhancing workforce capabilities, and facilitating international knowledge exchange and cooperation.^[5]

Launched the "Masmou" (English: audiblecode: eng promoted to code: en ) project during the Riyadh International Book Fair 2022. The project focuses on audio book content, offering an interactive experience for visitors through cabins that allow listening and browsing. On May 24, 2023, the Authority announced the launch of the second phase of the "Masmou" audio library cabins project in public gathering places. This phase began in Al-Ahsa, followed by the cities of Dammam, Khobar, Riyadh, and Jeddah, as part of an initiative to provide library services in community hubs.^[6]

On June 20, 2023, the Libraries Commission announced the launch of the "Digital Books Platform," which enables users to access a large collection of audiobooks, e-books, and other digital content through a single electronic platform. The platform also allows users to borrow books for free.^[7]

In July 2023, the Commission launched the "Manawel" (English: handing overcode: eng promoted to code: en ) initiative, aimed at promoting reading, culture, and knowledge among various segments of society. The initiative features a self-service device that functions as a mini-library, enabling the automated borrowing and return of books.^[8]

In August 2023, the Libraries Commission launched the "With Poetry, I Color My Life" initiative in Taif Governorate, which includes four tracks:^[9]

1. Poetry Wall
2. Educational Workshops
3. Composition and Group Singing Theater
4. Poetry Readings

In July 2021, the Commission launched the "Manuscript Accessibility" service on its official website. The service is designed to facilitate user access to manuscripts, saving time and effort by providing comprehensive details about each manuscript. Available information includes a digital image of the manuscript, its title, description, subject, the full name of the author, the author's date of death, the manuscript's opening and closing sections, the name of the copyist, the script type, the number and dimensions of its pages, the language of the copy, the location where it is preserved, its preservation number, and general notes regarding the manuscript.^[10]