'Pay as you like' bookstore saved by online effort

AMMAN, Jordan - For years, Hamzeh al-Maaytah nurtured a community of book lovers in Jordan, keeping his bookstore in Amman's old center open around the clock, encouraging customers to linger over rare treasures and often allowing them to set the price for a purchase.

His supporters recently had a chance to repay him when the local landmark was threatened with closure, following a sudden illness that sidelined him for several months as bills were piling up. By April, 330 people from more than 20 countries had contributed $18,000 in a crowdfunding campaign launched by two friends.

The money allows Maaytah to renovate his small, cramped space and expand to an adjacent storefront where he hopes to set up a literary salon, a display of rare books and a reading corner. Up to now, much of the store's activity has taken place outdoors, with books laid out under an awning on the sidewalk.

Despite his recent financial scare, the 36-year-old shopkeeper is sticking to his "pay as you please" business model, applied to most books. Customers can also pay a nominal fee to borrow books or read rare editions in the store.

"It's risky. But it's also an adventure," said Maaytah, wiping the leather spine of a book while wearing gloves. "You would be surprised what putting your trust in people can do. It doesn't just make more room for generosity. They also want to come back for more. More books, more conversations."

His family has been in the book business for more than a century. They opened the first bookstore in Jerusalem in the 1890s and moved the business to Jordan's capital following the 1948 war over Israel's creation. The family now owns three stores in Amman's old center, run by Maaytah and his brothers.

With the infusion of the crowdfunding cash, Maaytah is now busy painting walls, building shelves and organizing and cleaning books.

He said he hopes to use the rest of the donations to license his bookstore as a nonprofit organization to promote literary culture in the Middle East. He also plans to launch a radio show and take book fairs to refugee camps and prisons to lift the spirits of those who he says need it the most.

Associated Press