Home LifestyleThe Lounge A community bookshelf that relies on trust at Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis set up by a pre-loved bookstore

A community bookshelf that relies on trust at Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis set up by a pre-loved bookstore

by Belinda Breeze

The shelf is unmanned; Dubai has often shown us that trust works most beautifully

Bookends, a Dubai-based bookstore and marketplace for pre-loved books, believes in spreading the joy of reading and creating a positive impact in the community. That explains why they’ve set up a community bookshelf at Radisson Red, Dubai Digital Park, Silicon Oasis, Dubai.

“It’s a perfect way to introduce someone to the hobby and habit of reading. You are being sustainable by picking a pre-loved book, reminding yourself and others to be honest as you pay for the book — for the shelf is unmanned. Dubai has often shown us that trust works most beautifully, and we’re glad to be part of the journey,” said Grace Karim and Somia Anwar, owners of Bookends.

On average, 1000 books can be found on the shelf in the hotel lobby. What’s impressive is that the books are constantly shuffled, with new titles added now and then for varied age groups, capturing many genres from adventure to autobiography, self-help to sports, and more! Bookends’ physical store is located in the same neighbourhood.

Stuart Birkwood, Curator, Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis, says: “Our wonderful partnership with Bookends has gone from strength to strength since we began. Our guests love to browse what new titles have been left on our sharing shelves. It’s a nice talking point around the hotel.”

Here’s how it works.
Spread: The love of reading by buying pre-loved books
Pick: A book of your choice from the shelf
Price: Of each book is labelled at the back of the book
Drop: The exact change in the cash box provided
Enjoy: Reading

Get social with Bookends.