Back in 2014, I found out about a bookstore located inside the Al Bahhar Entertainment Village (Youm Al Bahar) called the Kuwait Heritage Library. I never went back to it after my initial trip but decided to do so this past Friday to see if it was still there. It was!
Since my last visit, the place has changed quite a bit, the shelves now reach the ceiling and the tiny shop was even more packed with books. It’s pretty hard to move around inside the shop now because there are books everywhere.
What I loved about the bookshop is the vast amount of old books it contained in both English and Arabic. I found a ton of stuff I wanted but they were sadly all overpriced. For example, they had an original copy of the Sons of Sinbad book by Alan Villiers priced at KD150 when similar condition books can be found online for around 40-50KD. They also had The Kuwait Urbanization book listed for KD170 when better condition copies can also be found online for around KD100 (I got mine for KD50).
BUT, if you love digging through piles of old books and flipping through pages of vintage books on Kuwait then you’re gonna really love this place. They’re open in the evening from around 6PM to 10PM but their AC isn’t working really well right now so its SUPER HOT inside. So if you pass by make sure you’re in your gym gear or something you don’t mind sweating in. If you don’t know where Youm Al Bahar is, here is the location on Google Maps. They’re also on Instagram @kuwait.heritage.library
7 replies on “The Kuwait Heritage Library Bookshop (Revisit)”
Good to see you cover places such as these that are off the beaten track – especially bookstores and libraries.
True you could get copies of these books somewhat cheaper online, but pricing of such rare/scarce books very often depends on the edition, condition, provenance, availability of dust jacket, author signature, etc. There are few places in the whole of Kuwait where a person can find rare books of interest. Guess, that is one reason there is a premium attached to these books sold locally. However, if you are lucky, you could get an excellent copy at a flea market or rummage sale for next to nothing even!
Yes I’m aware about how prices vary 🙂 my comparison was apples to apples. Same book with dust jacket and better condition is still cheaper at 100kd online. But yeah since it’s the only place he can charge a premium for those who prefer the convenience factor.
Excellent post and price comparisons. Is Al-Ruwaiyih Bookstore in your list? Tons of rare Arabic books, but they too have the AC issue.
Oh haven’t heard of them where r they located??
Mubarakiya market near Bu Nashi café. and the market mosque. It is the first bookstore in Kuwait, as it opened in 1920. It was named after its owner.
Ah I’ve been to it but I can’t find my post on it. I should go back for a revisit as well
Thank you for posting this !!!!! I’ve been looking for a heritage bookshop for a while now ….