Latest New's
View AllStay informed with the latest updates, announcements, and developments from KAPL.
King Abdulaziz Public Library Participates in the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA 2026) Conference and Exhibition in South Korea
The King Abdulaziz Public Library is participating in the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) 2026 conference and exhibition—hosted by the city of Busan, South Korea, from August 10 to 13, 2026—as part of its ongoing international presence and its commitment to exchanging expertise and building partnerships with library and knowledge institutions worldwide.
Read More
King Abdulaziz Public Library Unveils First Translation of Ibn Battuta’s Travels
<p>King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh has revealed that it has acquired a rare copy of the first printed and widely known English translation of Ibn Battuta’s travels, published 197 years ago, specifically on April 27, 1829.</p><p>The British Orientalist and linguist Samuel Lee translated Ibn Battuta’s renowned book: (The Rihla of Ibn Battuta: A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling) into English. In doing so, he relied on abridged manuscript copies preserved at the University of Cambridge Library in Britain, and based his translation on an abridged Arabic manuscript rather than the complete text of the journey. He also added a collection of scholarly and historical comments on the journey, as well as a number of explanatory footnotes on history, geography, countries, plants, monuments, archaeological sites, and scholarly and historical figures.</p><p>The book consists of 294 pages. The translator included numerous pages in Arabic in his translation, particularly in the footnotes, where he referred to several Arabic books such as: Khulasat al-Akhbar, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Al-Isharat fi Ma'rifat al-Ziyarat, Taqwim al-Buldan, Yatimat al-Dahr, Khulasat Tahqiq al-Zunun fi Sharh al-Mutun, and Marasid al-Ittila' Ala Asma' al-Amkinah, among other books. He also included a large number of Arab and Islamic scholarly and historical figures, as well as a number of cities and countries.</p><p>The book: (A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling) is considered one of the most famous travel books in history. It describes Ibn Battuta’s journey after he spent 30 years travelling through countries around the world. Sultan Abu Inan al-Marini ordered the journey to be recorded and selected an Andalusian jurist who had joined the Marinid court, Ibn Juzayy al-Kalbi, for this purpose. The dictation of the work took place in the city of Fez in 756 AH.</p><p>Ibn Battuta is: Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Ibrahim al-Lawati al-Tanji, Abu Abdullah, Ibn Battuta: (703 AH / 1304 AD – 770 AH / 1369 AD), a renowned traveller and historian. His travels were the reason for his fame, and he was given the title “Prince of Muslim Travellers” by the Cambridge Society. He began his travels at the age of 21 and travelled three times, visiting North and East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, the Near East, Andalusia, and West Africa.</p><p>It is worth noting that the book has been translated into various languages around the world, including Swedish, Portuguese, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, and German.</p>
Read More
The Restoration Center at the King Abdulaziz Public Library treats over 10,000 cultural heritage items.
The Restoration and Treatment Center at the King Abdulaziz Public Library has achieved a new milestone by restoring and treating over 10,861 items from the library’s collections—including historical photographs, documents, maps, rare books, manuscripts, newspapers, and periodicals. This work was carried out using the latest scientific and professional methods for restoration, treatment, sterilization, and preventive maintenance, thereby helping to preserve these holdings, extend their lifespan, and ensure their sustainability for future generations.
Read More
The King Abdulaziz Public Library hosts cultural gatherings and publishes novels for young adults.
The King Abdulaziz Public Library continues to offer diverse cultural and intellectual programs aimed at fostering cultural awareness within the Kingdom, strengthening the cultural elements that bridge heritage and modernity, and showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural identity through activities that promote the presence of national, Arab, Islamic, and global cultures.
Read More
King Abdulaziz Public Library Launches "AI Generation" Summer Camp
The King Abdulaziz Public Library, represented by its General Department for Children, has launched the "AI Generation" summer camp. This distinctive initiative aims to develop the skills of children and youth in the fields of technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation through an educational experience that combines technical, cultural, and recreational elements.
Read More
On World Horse Day, the King Abdulaziz Public Library highlights its efforts to document Arabian horse heritage.
On World Horse Day, the King Abdulaziz Public Library highlights its efforts to document Arabian horse heritage.
Read More
Bandar Al-Harbi discusses transforming events into a national story in a lecture at the King Abdulaziz Library.
Bandar Al-Harbi discusses transforming events into a national story in a lecture at the King Abdulaziz Library.
Read More
When Camels Become a Language of Beauty... King Abdulaziz Library Explores the Desert’s Memory Through Saudi Art
When Camels Become a Language of Beauty... King Abdulaziz Library Explores the Desert’s Memory Through Saudi Art
Read More
With over 218,000 diverse items, the King Abdulaziz Public Library preserves heritage and renews the national memory.
With over 218,000 diverse items, the King Abdulaziz Public Library preserves heritage and renews the national memory.
Read More
The King Abdulaziz Public Library leads the revival of travel literature and documents the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the Kingdom.
The King Abdulaziz Public Library leads the revival of travel literature and documents the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the Kingdom.
Read More
