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Bookends: A Community-Built Journey of Books, Resilience, and Dreams

It All Started Over a Simple Cup of Coffee

What happens when two moms with a love for reading realize the growing challenge of providing affordable books to curious children? Somia and Grace had that exact conversation over coffee, sparking the idea for a sustainable marketplace for preloved books. Their vision? To make books accessible to everyone while extending the life of every story.

From Humble Beginnings to New Heights

Founders of Bookends: Grace & Somia

With an ambitious goal, they entered a business pitch competition hosted by Sheraa, Sharjah's Entrepreneur Center. They secured third place, and from that point, Bookends took off. Starting as an online-only platform, it has grown into a vibrant physical store in Dubai Silicon Oasis. With over 30,000 books in stock and a community of 1,800 sellers, the store is now a haven for book lovers from all walks of life.

 Building a Literary Community
   

Bookends is more than just a bookstore—it's a space for connection. From book launches and book carnivals to workshops and storytelling sessions, we’ve created a hub where readers of all ages can engage with literature in a fun, interactive way. Our events, such as bookmark-making workshops, are the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers.

Weathering the Storm—Literally

The road wasn’t always smooth. In early 2024, heavy floods submerged our beloved store, destroying 14,000 books and damaging the interior. But the community we had built rallied behind us. Volunteers—customers, friends, and even strangers—helped us clean up and restore the store in just six weeks. This period made us realize how cherished Bookends is by its community.

A Story of Resilience and Hope

Bookends is built on community, resilience, and the power of a shared love for stories. What began as a simple conversation between two friends has become a movement—making books more accessible and fostering a sense of belonging among readers in the UAE.