Al-Babtain Central Library for Arabic Poetry can be considered the first and largest library specialising in Arabic poetry.
The foundation stone of the library was laid in Kuwait on the 6th of January, 2002 by Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, then First Deputy Prime Minister.
This initiative by Mr. Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain, the library owner and founder, fulfilled his dream as of thousands of Arab poets looking forward to having a certain institution, repository or library dedicated to Arabic poetry that protects their works against the winds of carelessness, oblivion and loss and preserves it in one place for Arabic poetry lovers, readers and intellectuals.
The library building was designed in such a way that reflects the spirit of Kuwait, Arab culture and poetry in general, from the Pre-Islamic era to the present time.
Mrs. Suad Al-Ateeqi, one of the highly qualified Kuwaiti professionals in the field of library and information science who had a great experience in Kuwait University libraries, was selected for the position of "Library Director", along with a qualified staff of technicians, paraprofessionals, executives, poets and librarians.
The library collection totaled more than 72,000 books excluding periodicals and electronic resources. Collections are still being received from all over the world.
Users can find almost all the resources related to Arabic poetry such as references, books, periodicals, divans, manuscripts, theses and electronic resources.
The library is planning to open its doors to the public in the near future. The inauguration day will be the day of Arabic poetry in the eyes of all Arab poets coming from different artistic and intellectual schools and directions.
