'Pay as you like' bookstore saved by online effort

AMMAN, Jordan - For years, Hamzeh al-Maaytah nurtured a community of book lovers in Jordan, keeping his bookstore in Amman's old center open around the clock, encouraging customers to linger over rare treasures and often allowing them to set the price for a purchase.

His supporters recently had a chance to repay him when the local landmark was threatened with closure, following a sudden illness that sidelined him for several months as bills were piling up. By April, 330 people from more than 20 countries had contributed $18,000 in a crowdfunding campaign launched by two friends.

The money allows Maaytah to renovate his small, cramped space and expand to an adjacent storefront where he hopes to set up a literary salon, a display of rare books and a reading corner. Up to now, much of the store's activity has taken place outdoors, with books laid out under an awning on the sidewalk.