(Updated: Oct 5, 2017)The British Community Library is located at the British Consulate in Jeddah and has a full library with over 20,000 titles to choose from, including a children’s corner and teen/pre-teen sections as well. The library is open to ALL nationalities, so everyone is welcome to come and check out books. The library is not open every day, so please note the Hours of Operation section below.
This small library occupies two floors in the consulate. The lower floor houses the children, teen, and fiction sections while the 2nd floor contains all of the non-fiction titles and classics. There are also many books available for purchase for 1-2 SAR each. Since library books are not to be taken out of KSA, buying up some of these bargain books would be great if you are planning a long trip.
Membership:
Membership is open to ALL nationalities and requires a 200 SAR deposit that is refundable when you leave Saudi Arabia or upon membership cancellation.
Family Membership: A family membership is 150 SAR per year. Each person can check out 4 books at a time, or a maximum of 16 books for the entire family. Books are due back after 4 weeks. (Total joining fee: 350 SAR)
Single Membership: A single membership is 100 SAR per year. Individuals are allowed to borrow 6 books at a time. Books are due back after 4 weeks. (Total joining fee: 300 SAR)
The library is a bit tricky to find, but hopefully this information will help you.
HOW TO GET TO THE LIBRARY:
Upon approaching the embassy you will see a sign that says VISITORS (to the left). Follow this sign to the metal spinning security gates on the right. There is a button to push on the gate AND a button to push on the wall to the left. Try pushing both buttons until you see the arrows of the gates turn green. Once you have a green arrow, you can pass through the gate and head into the security check point. During the security check, your bag will be searched. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside the consulate (thus, no pictures to share). After you have received your visitor’s badge, leave the building and turn left. A long white wall will be on your right and a fence on your left. Go around the corner. You will see a large back door on your right and a NO PARKING sign. This is the library. If the door isn’t open, push the button on the call box, and the librarian will open the door for you.
UPON LEAVING THE LIBRARY:
You will need to go back the way you came, but follow the exit signs and retrieve your phone/camera from the small window near the exit.
HOURS of OPERATION :
Sunday- Closed
Monday: 12:30-2pm
Tuesday: closed
Wednesday- 10am-12pm
Thursday: 11am-2pm
Friday- Closed
Saturday- 10am-12pm
Jeddah For Kids 
Hi, are you sure these times are still correct? I just went there this morning (Thursday) expecting it to be open 10 – 12 and it was shut. They didn’t seem to know when it would be open but thought maybe around 12… Obviously having dragged my toddler there I didn’t want to wait 2 hrs on a maybe
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Hi Lucy–
They are still open, but close for one month during the year—that month is August unfortunately. I am sorry you made the trip and it was closed. I hope you will try again in September when normal business resumes.
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Do they have a phone number or do I just call the British consulate and go from there?
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No appointment necessary just make sure u go on the scheduled days and times they r open.
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Is it 150 RS for all the family members or for each member? And
Wt does it mean ( joining fee 350 ) ?
Thanks alooot jeddahforkids u r one of the most pages that helps parents. All ur posts are useful .
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150 is for a family membership. You must also pay a 200sar book deposit fee and is a one time fee. The 200 sar is refundable when you cancel your library membership.
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Hi
I just want to know if the times are still valid since the post is two years old.
Thanx alot
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For sure the Thursday and Saturday times. Last I heard the other person was on vacation. 😉
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I am writing this message because I want to know if we have to pay tax for the first time we get a membership for families.
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I do not believe the library is subject to taxation because it is part of the British Consulate.
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Is the library in British Consulate
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Yes, but all nationalities are welcome.
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I wanted to know if there is any area in which you can sit in the library and read your books there.
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Yes, there are a few areas. There is a sofa, kids table and upstairs there is also a larger table for use as well.
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