Al-Qarawiyyin Library shares the true story of how it was originally founded by a Muslim woman in 859 in Fez, Morocco, and remains the oldest operating library in existence. - (Baker & Taylor)

"In this enchanting picture book, told from the unique perspective of the Al-Warawlyyin Library?—?the oldest library in the world, readers can experience the magic and adventure in this special place where young and old gathered to discuss, debate and discover the world. Illustrations. " - (Baker & Taylor)

Come learn about the oldest operating library in existence, which was originally founded by a Muslim woman in 859!

Come learn about the oldest operating library in existence, which was originally founded by a Muslim woman in 859!

Merhaba! Welcome! Meet Al-Qarawiyyin Library--the oldest library in the world. Do you want to see what magical treasures are behind its doors? You'll find special reading rooms where young and old gathered to discuss, debate, and discover the world. And, most important, the collection of books that hold knowledge more valuable than any jewels! Open its doors, unlock its story, and discover an adventure that only a library can share.

Told from the unique perspective of the library, award-winning author Hena Khan, along with luminous illustrations by Nabila Adani, bring to readers Behind My Doors, a charming ode to the magical wonders of each and every library.

Hena Khan is the author of many award-winning children's books, including Under My Hijab, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Amina's Voice, and the Zara's Rules series. She lives near Washington, DC, with her family. Please visit her online at henakhan.com and follow her at @henakhanbooks.

Nabila Adani is an illustrator who briefly worked as a product designer before moving to the United States to study children's book illustration. She now enjoys illustrating different cultures from around the world for children. She lives in Jakarta, Indonesia. You can see more of her work at nabilaadani.wixsite.com/graphics.

Booklist Reviews

Commemorating what is said to be the world's oldest continuously open library, Khan gives the building itself a stately voice to describe its AD 859 founding in Fez by a wealthy woman named Fatima al-Fihri, some of its bookish treasures, its long decline after being a center of learning for scholars including Maimonides and Ibn Khaldun, and its modern refurbishment by architect Aziza Chaouni. Adani's atmospheric views of the city's medina (old quarter) and the library's quiet courtyard lead to views of modern book stacks and students mingling in a bright, classically decorated reading room. In a quick afterword, the author adds details about the attached university (also said to be the world's oldest) and about Chaouni, closing with reference sources in English. The library's role in the history of scholarship is well established, and readers will have no trouble extending the thought that its purpose as a place "to sit, think, and dream big" encompasses all of its descendants. Grades 2-5. Copyright 2024 Booklist Reviews.