- Pay It Forward book exchange encourages readers to gift stories all Ramadan.
- Customers leave paid books with handwritten notes for strangers to discover.
- Founded by mothers, Bookends champions accessibility, sustainability, and community connection.
- A simple idea turns everyday reading into meaningful acts of kindness.
A soft hum of pages turning, handwritten notes tucked between covers, and strangers connected by stories. This Ramadan, Bookends is creating moments like these across Dubai with its Pay It Forward book exchange, a gentle initiative built on one powerful belief: generosity grows when it’s shared.
Running in store throughout the holy month, the concept is beautifully simple. Readers purchase a book and leave it behind for someone else, often with a short personal note. The next visitor can choose a book that’s already been paid for, then add another title back into the collection. No vouchers, no sign-ups, no fixed values. Just people supporting people, one story at a time.
At a time when Ramadan invites reflection, giving, and connection, Bookends’ approach feels quietly impactful. It turns a regular bookstore visit into something deeper, creating a living circle of kindness where every reader becomes part of a growing community exchange.
Founded by two mothers who saw both the rising cost of books and how quickly children outgrow them, Bookends was created to make reading more accessible while reducing waste. Their Pay It Forward initiative brings that mission to life in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt. Instead of big gestures, it focuses on small, meaningful moments: a child discovering a new favourite story, a parent finding a thoughtful message inside a book, or a stranger feeling seen through a simple act of generosity.
Across Dubai, community-driven experiences are becoming an important part of Ramadan, especially those that encourage mindful participation rather than commercial excess. Bookends taps into this shift by offering something refreshingly human. There’s no pressure to match prices or follow rules. Readers choose what feels right, contributing in their own way and at their own pace.
What makes this exchange special is its organic nature. Each book left behind carries a story before it’s even opened, shaped by the person who chose it and the message they leave behind. Over time, the shelves become layered with intention, creating a shared reading experience that reflects the spirit of the season.
Available at Bookends in Dubai Digital Park throughout Ramadan, the initiative invites families, friends, and solo visitors alike to pause, browse, and take part in something quietly meaningful.
This Ramadan, Bookends reminds us that generosity does not need grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with a book, a note, and the belief that stories are better when shared!
Instagram: @bookendsae
