Abu Dhabi: A new secondhand bookstore in the capital, Books R Us, has become a hit with children owing to its economic prices and fair exchange deals. Located on Shaabia 12 Street of Musaffah, the shop offers 10,000 titles in various languages and genres.
Pakistani expat Shahid Majeed and his wife Maleeha opened the store early this year with an extensive collection of used children’s books.
“We started this venture mainly for children as we felt there was a dearth of affordable books for them,” said Maleeha. Most books are priced between Dh5 and Dh30. For instance, you can find Wimpy Kids books for Dh15 (new: Dh35) and Dog Diaries for Dh18 (new: Dh31).
Following a passion
The couple, who are voracious readers, came to Abu Dhabi 15 years ago. “Whenever we returned from vacation (from Pakistan), my baggage would be filled with books,” said Majeed, adding their three children are also avid readers.
Soon the couple found themselves owning a massive of collection of books. “We felt we could do something more than just keeping them at home and so came up with the idea of a bookstore. Having quit my job as a medical professional to look after our kids, this was a perfect comeback for me to do something I love,” said Maleeha.
The couple spent six months studying the books market, acquiring some more titles and in settng up the store. Shahid, who is an engineer by profession, designed the interiors and the shelves. The store also features a reading corner.
Seven-year-old Zainab Siddiqui is a regular visitor as she gets her favourite Junie B Jones books from there. “I come almost every week and enjoy reading in the book corner,” she said.
They also keep new titles and have a dedicated Quran section.
Customers who exchange books are given half price off on the next purchase of old books and a quarter price off for new books. An interactive website pertaining to major titles, book excerpts and special offers is also being planned.
For more information, visit: www.booksrus.ae
