A list of Public and Private Libraries in Jeddah

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In this post: Find out about Libraries in Jeddah and where they are located. We have included the public libraries as well as the privately owned ones. I have also included information about what kind of books they have and who they cater to.

I love to read. If you have clicked to this article or hopped here from google, I am sure you are as passionate about books as I am.

I never knew I’d be so desperate for books, until I became pregnant and had children. Really… am I the only one who needs to read a book on each of my symptoms and feel reassured only if an expert wrote it in a BOOK and a dozen websites confirmed it?!

Then, when you have kids… all of the above plus you need books for kids activities, story books, recipe books for baby food… tell me there are others like me please. 🙂

When a mom needs books…

Eleven years ago,  I was expecting my first child, I needed books and I needed friends. I googled for information about Public Libraries in Jeddah and asked around in expat forums. Most of the queries came up blank and the people in the forums told me that Jeddah did not have a public library. ::How shocking::

Left without a choice, I resorted to buy whatever I needed. Two years later, I had quite a good collection in my little library . A few pregnancy books, baby care books, toddler recipes, crafts magazines, crochet patterns and a cute little collection of board books for my year old son. We had just discovered that I was expecting again and we couldn’t afford to be spending on books any more. If I had to read, it would have to be through a library subscription. But… where were the libraries in Jeddah?? So back to googling and asking around.

This time when I googled, Alhamdulillah something came up. I found two private libraries and my joy at finding that they were for moms and kids! Both my children could accompany me there. We were able to add our children to the list from birth onwards. Library day, every two weeks, became a fun outing for us. We had activities for us to do through the week and bedtimes had variety. No more reading the same book over and over…

In the past 15 years, my knowledge about Jeddah has grown, as has my friends circle here. I have met new people and shared new experiences with them. Together, we have seen the sprouting up of newer opportunities and encouraging communities for new moms moving here. Books, advice, encouragement, motivation, learning new skills… it is easier now and sometimes, it is just a click away.

(… updated October 2022)

A few years ago, the King Fahd Public Library (finally!!) opened in Jeddah. Unfortunately, we have seen a few popular private ones close too. I have since moved on from Jeddah and Library- hunting but if you’re still there, I hope you can share with us any more local libraries to add to the list.

So, for all of you who are looking for libraries in Jeddah, this list is for you!

Public Libraries in Jeddah

There 3 known public libraries in Jeddah. If you count the Universities here, then I guess there are more. If you are a student at either Jamea  or Effat University or Dar el Hekma or any other University or if you teach them, then lucky you! You have access to those libraries too. The rest of us, ‘commoners’ can see below:

1. King Fahad Public Library.

On King Abdullah Road, just before Salam Mall, is the newly opened King Fahd Public Library. It has the biggest collection of books in Jeddah. They have a section for women and children with regular activities for them. It is very spacious and they have a play are for kids. They are open till 8pm in the evening.

2. Ministry of Education Library at al Ballad: 

On Hail Street, at the corner of the Egypt Air building, is the Ministry of Education and inside, they have a library. I have only heard that it is public but never been there. I have been told they have only educational books.

3. Khozam Park Public Library:

This is the old public library in Old Jeddah. It is located at Khozam Park in al Nozhla al Yamaniyya area next to the Islamic Development bank near the water tower. It is behind the Jeddah TV station. Click the link above for the coordinates.

Private libraries

1. The British Council Community Library: 

The British Consulate has a Community Library with over 20K books. They have an affordable fees and they are open to all nationalities. You can read more about British Council Library on Jeddah For Kids where they have done a very good review of it. The directions and details to get to the library are on the site.

2. Jeddah Cultural Exchange Center

Jeddah Cultural Exchange Center (JCEC), which is in Al Hamra District near the Turkish Embassy, has a small Library for adults that is actually a book swap. It is free and for books in English for adults. Check their Facebook Page for details. They conduct other activities like historical tours, museum visits, movie nights and get togethers too. You can find more information about the Jeddah Cultural Center on their Facebook Page .

These are the libraries in Jeddah that I know of, so far. If you know any more, please feel free to contact me on my Facebook Page or leave me a comment below. I’d love to add them to this list. Tell me if you’ve tried any of these places too. I’d love to hear of your experience.

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