The Old Library, established in 1969, is the oldest English language Library in Dubai catering to the needs of the English-speaking expatriate community. It is a not-for-profit organization run entirely by volunteers and licensed under the Dubai Community Development Authority. An elected Management Committee oversees the operation of the library and all funds raised through subscriptions, book fines, and second-hand book sales go directly back into the library to cover operating costs and the purchase of new books.
The Committee of Management is responsible for setting down the Rules and Regulations which, where appropriate are ratified at an Annual General Meeting. Any adult Member of the library may stand for election to the Committee of Management at the Annual General Meeting. An elected Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator manage the day-to-day operation of the library assisted by a large team of additional volunteers.