Sunday 17 / November / 2024
Muscat: Book lovers of Muscat have been flocking in large numbers to 'Logos Hope,' the largest floating library in the world which is currently docked at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muttrah.
Getting on board:
Be prepared for the Car Parking to be full and take a short trek from the carpark to a packed queue of eagerly waiting families. Because no cars are allowed in Sultan Qaboos Port, buses are organized at the ticket venue, to collect the visitors from the car park and drive them to the ship.
Fatima aged 22 was traveling on one of these buses with her family. She said 'we all saw these posts on Instagram and decided to go as a family, as we are interested in reading. One of my younger siblings reads a lot,' she said, excited to see what treasures the ship holds.
What to expect:
With over 5000 books on board, across different genres - the floating library has something for everyone. Whether National Geographic floats your boat, or you are looking for a book on leadership, or geology, you are bound to have a happy experience.
Tanat Ansari, here with his family explains, 'my children came for books because there are children's books here, but there are also books for everyone, so we can all enjoy the experience together.'
Lines of books for every age fill these shelves, goodie bags and boxes of stationary as well. Do bring your cash and credit card because the variety of books is simply irresistible.
More than just books:
With the aim of offering more than just books, the library is also organizing literary and community events for the visitors. Here is the schedule.
'Logos Hope' is also collaborating with the local book Clubs in Oman for fun-filled activities.
'Oman Book Lovers Club' organized a Reading Corner as well as storytelling sessions, creative writing and calligraphy sessions attended by the likes of M Alrawahy, authors Vaishali Hamlai and Shahad Al Wahaibi. 'Once Upon a Time Muscat' and 'Care Share Books Library' also offered storytime and craft sessions onboard.
The Crew:
With volunteers from around 60 different nationalities, the Logos Hope crew is an admirable initiative of international goodwill and understanding. The crew and staff are all non-salaried volunteers, including many serving in their professional capacity, such as seafarers, engineers, electricians, nurses, teachers and cooks. Sponsorship from friends, family members and civic organizations enables crewmembers to serve on board.
Logos Hope volunteers say 'It's amazing to be aboard'.
Last days in Muscat:
The library opens at 4pm it will be docked at Muscat till July 24th before making its way to Salalah to open its doors there on July 27th.
The Floating Library is proven to be a big hit for many. If you have visited already, share your experience and pictures with us as comments on Facebook and Instagram.
