Bookish Culture (previously Jeddah Reads) Information

Jeddah Reads is a social initiative based out of Saudi Arabia, aimed at promoting an active reading and literary culture in the region. They do this by launching independent literary projects, conducting regular offline and online events and workshops, and collaborating with relevant organizations. Some of their most successful projects include; building libraries in cafes, communities, and schools of Jeddah, launching their Junior Readers Program to promote creative thinking and reading for children, and the virtual book club for adults, among many other projects. They have been covered by local, national, and international publications for their work in changing the reading culture in Jeddah. Additionally, members of the nonprofit were also invited to speak at the Emirates Literature Festival in Dubai, in 2019. The nonprofit is founded and primarily managed by Huda Merchant, along with three other core members and ten volunteers.