Amman, March 5 — The Public Library of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation has launched a new membership tier, “Membership for Cultural Institutions,” as part of its ongoing efforts to expand access to reading and promote knowledge-sharing across the Kingdom’s governorates.
The new tier allows cultural institutions to borrow up to 200 books—selected from the library’s latest publications and collections—free of charge. The initiative aims to support cultural programming and encourage reading among the audiences served by these institutions.
Nizar Al-Hmod, Director of the Public Library at the Foundation, noted that the Shoman Library offers a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of researchers, students, and readers seeking to expand their knowledge. He explained that the new membership tier aligns with the library’s vision to broaden access to knowledge resources while strengthening the role of cultural institutions as active partners in building a reading culture.
Al-Hmod added that institutions wishing to benefit from this membership must demonstrate an active audience and offer programs that promote reading and book borrowing. While participating institutions may circulate the borrowed books among their communities, ownership of the materials remains with the Abdul Hameed Shoman Library, and lending is managed according to the library’s established borrowing policies.
Since its establishment in 1986, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Public Library has served as a leading model for public libraries in Jordan and the Arab region. It was the first fully computerized and equipped public library in the country and was designed to function not only as a reading space, but also as a vibrant center for cultural engagement and lifelong learning.
Today, the library houses hundreds of thousands of print and digital books, scientific databases, study and reflection spaces, and specialized facilities. Open to individuals aged 16 and above, it is fully accessible and provides a welcoming environment for persons with disabilities.
At the national level, Shoman Library has expanded its presence with branches across Amman—including Jabal Amman, Al-Achrafieh, Al-Muqablain, and Al-Hussein Technical University—as well as locations in Zarqa and Ma'an. The library also supports initiatives and partnerships aimed at strengthening libraries in Jordan and Palestine.