Jordanian entrepreneur says books should be accessible to all

For years, Hamzeh AlMaaytah nurtured a community of book lovers in Jordan, keeping his bookstore in Amman’s old centre 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 will allow Mr. AlMaaytah 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 pavement.

Despite the recent financial scare, the 36-year-old shopkeeper is sticking to his “pay as you please” business model, applied to most books.

“It’s risky. But it’s also an adventure,” said Mr. AlMaaytah, 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.”

Mr. AlMaaytah recently renamed his branch “Mahall al-Maa”, loosely translated as “Source of Water”, to reflect his belief that books like water are a necessity and should be accessible to everyone.