The Library of the German Jordanian University (GJU), in cooperation with the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, organized the Reading Marathon 2026 under the theme “Towards a Reading Jordan,” with the participation of around 60 students from schools in Naour District and Madaba Qasabah District, as well as members of the local community and children of GJU employees. The event aimed to promote a culture of reading and encourage participants to make use of knowledge and information resources.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Raed Al-Khasawneh, Director of GJU Library, noted that the Library’s participation in the Reading Marathon for the fourth consecutive year reflects the strong engagement and interest the initiative has received from students, Library users, and members of the local community. He also highlighted GJU’s commitment to establishing reading as a life skill and strengthening students’ connection with knowledge resources, given its role in broadening their perspectives and developing their abilities in critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation. He added that reading contributes to building an aware generation capable of understanding and analyzing its surroundings, continuing to learn, and engaging with its community.
The marathon was held as part of the “Towards a Reading Jordan” initiative organized by the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation at various locations across the Kingdom. The initiative aims to encourage reading, strengthen its presence in daily life, and motivate different segments of society to read and learn.
Participants read approximately 12,000 pages throughout the marathon. The activities also included reading, cultural, and interactive sessions that provided participants with opportunities to read and engage with the knowledge resources available at the University Library. The event concluded with the distribution of books and gifts to the winners.
Organizing the marathon reflects GJU’s commitment to strengthening its role in serving the local community and making its educational and cultural facilities accessible to students and community members, contributing to the promotion of a culture of reading and knowledge.