Omani volunteer introduces a free open air library by installing fancy cabinets with books for people to borrow and read during leisure hours outdoors as well as donate books for others to read

For many people, reading is a private passion. For Omani cultural volunteer Fatima bint Hamad bin Ali Al Omairi, it has become the foundation of a community initiative that quietly encourages people to reconnect with books in public spaces.

Her project – Give Me Your Book – began as a simple idea inspired by her personal love of reading. Over time, it has evolved into a growing network of small public libraries placed in parks and recreational areas across the sultanate, inviting visitors to pause, browse and read.

The concept first took shape while Fatima was participating in a competition for the best sustainable cultural volunteer project. During her research, she came across an image of a small library hanging from a tree in a European country. The simple idea sparked a question – why not bring a similar concept to Oman’s parks and open spaces?

From that moment, the vision of creating small public libraries accessible to everyone began to take shape. Each library carries a simple message – ‘Take a book, read it, and return it.’ The idea is straightforward — anyone can borrow a book free of charge, enjoy reading it, and place it back for others to share.

Introducing the idea to the local community was not without challenges. Fatima recalls that the concept was initially unfamiliar, and gaining acceptance required both patience and perseverance.

In 2018, she secured permission from Muscat Municipality to place the first small library in Qurum Natural Park. Authorities initially approved the project for only one week to test how visitors would respond.

The small cabinet, filled with a range of books, quickly attracted the curiosity of park visitors. Families, children and young readers began browsing through the shelves, and the response exceeded expectations.

Encouraged by the positive feedback, the authorities approved the library on a permanent basis, marking the beginning of the initiative’s gradual expansion.

Small libraries, growing impact

Today, the project operates five small public libraries across different parks and recreational spaces in Oman. They are located in Al Sahwa Park, Al Amerat Park, Qurum Natural Park, Izki Public Park, as well as the recreational centre in Suhar.

The cabinets feature a diverse collection of books, ranging from literature and novels to children’s stories and scientific works. Some locations also include publications related to Omani law and heritage. In an effort to make reading accessible to all, several libraries even provide Braille books for visually impaired readers.

Fatima believes the strength of the initiative lies in its accessibility. “When books are placed in spaces where people spend their leisure time, reading becomes part of everyday life,” she says. “It is no longer something limited to formal institutions or study environments.”

By bringing books directly into parks and public gathering places, the initiative encourages people who may rarely visit traditional libraries to engage with reading in a relaxed setting.

Shared community experience

Over the years, the project has grown from a small volunteer idea into a community initiative with visible social impact.

One of the most rewarding moments for Fatima, she says, is seeing children regularly browsing the shelves or participating in reading activities. Families have told her that the initiative encouraged them to introduce reading as part of their daily routine.

Visitors of all ages can now often be seen browsing through books while enjoying time outdoors – a quiet but meaningful shift in how people engage in reading.

Aligned with national goals

Fatima also welcomed the recent royal decree by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to establish a national public library in Oman, describing it as a step that reflects the country’s commitment to knowledge and cultural development.

She believes, initiatives like ‘Give Me Your Book’ could complement the future library through joint activities such as group reading sessions, children’s workshops and community reading marathons. At the same time, she notes, that expanding volunteer cultural initiatives requires sustained support.

Community projects, she says, depend on financial backing, dedicated volunteers and a shared belief in the value of culture. The initiative plans to add at least three new park libraries in different governorates across Oman this year as part of its next phase of expansion.

For Fatima, however, the most important message is directed at young Omanis who may be considering launching their own community projects. “Many successful initiatives start with a very simple idea. With determination, teamwork and a genuine desire to serve society, that idea can grow into something meaningful for the whole community,” she asserts.

(To donate books, call: 92706644; insta: @give_meyourbook)