Promoting reading in the Arab world: The book club model

Abstract

Despite their proliferation in many parts of the world, book clubs have received little attention from academic researchers. This study seeks to understand the status of book clubs particularly in the Arab world. An in-depth illustration of the status of Arab book clubs was provided by 18 moderators from six Arab countries. The findings indicated that Arab book clubs operate in several distinctive ways; ranging from formal, highly structured meetings, to informal, friendly gatherings. The findings also revealed the motivations for establishing the book clubs in the Arab world. In this respect, participants set high expectations for personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility. However, Arab books clubs faced several challenges as perceived by the participants in this study. Several suggestions were made for the sustainability of Arab book clubs. The implications of the findings for librarians, educators, and the general public are also emphasized to create momentum for their continuity.

Advancing book clubs as non-formal learning to facilitate critical public pedagogy in organizations

“…Furthermore, dissenting ideas can extend the cultural change work of book clubs whereby they serve as important democratic platforms. Chaaban and Sawalhi (2018) found in their study of book clubs in Arab countries that participants became “better informed members of society, actively participating in making changes within their own lives, and their societies.” This notion of book clubs as sites of cultural change work is not new. Historically, African American literary societies functioned as a public demonstration of the rights of Black people to enjoy political, educational, and economic equality (McHenry, 2002).…”

Reading promotion mode of university libraries in the context of information development

“…In the literature [10], the Netherlands launched a national reading promotion program in 2008 under the theme of "The Art of Reading", which targets young people from birth to 18 years old, with public libraries playing a central role in the promotion of reading. In the literature [11], "reading clubs" in the Arab countries are based on a deep desire for personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility.…”