Bookshop re-opens after 27 years

BEIRUT, Lebanon — The Bible Society in Lebanon (BSL) has re-opened its bookshop in Maarad Square, central Beirut, amid much excitement and rejoicing. The re-opening is the successful conclusion of a lengthy battle to regain legal rights to the building and to raise funds for its renovation.

n A visitor to the Bible Society in Lebanon’s re-opened bookshop in central Beirut looks at the Scriptures on sale. Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Bible Society in Lebanon / Gaby Kobrossi (LEB02DJ-9)

The presence of a bookshop in central Beirut dates back to 1935, when the building was rented in the name of the American Bible Society. Both the bookshop and the first-floor offices were destroyed when civil war broke out in 1975, and over the years that followed the BSL was forced to relocate several times to premises in outlying locations.

Legal battle

In 1990 it decided to try to re-establish a presence in a more central location, but court action was necessary to regain control of the original building. The legal battle eventually ended successfully in 2001 (see Latest News #158), but extensive renovation work was necessary before the bookshop could actually reopen.

The 30-year lease on the bookshop provides for a five-year rent-free period, followed by 25 years at only 40 per cent of the normal rent. However, the BSL had to raise funds to meet the cost of the renovation work. One of the most successful fundraising initiatives was a concert of Christmas carols and sacred music in December 2001 (see Latest News #184). This event, which included contributions from a Bible Society chorus and a video about the history of the bookshop, attracted 1,000 people and raised more than US$20,000.

The return of the BSL to central Beirut after a 27-year absence has been warmly welcomed by the thousands of people who have already visited the bookshop, which is now fully renovated and equipped. The dedication of BSL staff in working shifts to keep the bookshop open from 8 a.m. until midnight is proving very valuable, according to BSL Deputy General Secretary Mike Bassous. “The exposure and promotion that our Bible Society is receiving from this downtown location is unprecedented,” he says.

‘Centre stage again’

Some of the comments made by the visitors have been noted. “We could never ask for a stronger testimony,” said one. “Just imagine: the Bible – the Word of God – is taking centre stage again.” Another exclaimed,“To see the Bible Society here makes me feel real good!”