Author George Jreije wants to broaden horizons at Portland’s Mechanics’ Hall

Maine Library Welcomes Lebanese‑American Author George Jreije as Writer‑in‑Residence

Portland, Maine – A new chapter begins at Mechanics’ Hall, the city’s flagship public library, when Lebanese‑American novelist George Jreije took up the writer‑in‑residence position last week. The year‑long appointment offers the 31‑year‑old author a dedicated workspace, a $2,500 honorarium and the opportunity to weave his stories, research and public‑speaking into the fabric of Portland’s literary community.

Jreije first drew the library’s attention after a string of published books that blend young‑adult fantasy with graphic novels, short stories in magazines such as Scholastic’s Scope and Bangarang, and a growing reputation for infusing Arab cultural motifs into mainstream narratives. “My books are not just about being Lebanese, but being Lebanese‑American,” he told the press, highlighting the “third‑culture” experience he feels “not quite Arab enough, while not quite American enough.” The author credits that dual identity for the sense of belonging that permeates his work, a theme he hopes to foster in the library’s patrons.

From College Campuses to Public Spaces

Jreije’s literary journey began while he was a sophomore at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he studied political science and business. A single book he read in the library sparked a question that would become the engine of his career: “Could I write something that would provoke the same sense of wonder I’d just experienced?” The answer led him down a path of writing, freelance book editing and public speaking that has now brought him back to the library setting.

Before accepting the Mechanics’ Hall post, Jreije served as writer‑in‑residence at the Concord Free Library in Massachusetts. “I can’t impose my preferences on patrons or staff,” he recalled. “I have to meet people where they are, and I think in doing so, getting to know them and them getting to know me, that’s actually how I can get them closer to embodying my excitement for books.”

A Mission Beyond the Classics

Jreije’s goals for the year go beyond simply polishing manuscripts. He plans to push the boundaries of what the library’s community considers “classics” by championing genre fiction—including science‑fiction, fantasy, horror and children’s literature—that often sits on the fringes of the public‑reading canon. “My spin is going to be inclusivity; let’s make this something that is a more inclusive experience that challenges folks to think outside of what they’re comfortable with,” he said. The author intends to host author conversations, start a book club, and develop workshops that encourage readers to explore new genres.

The appointment also provides Jreije a platform to address themes that resonate with his own upbringing. He has grown up in the shadow of the Iraq War, a period that saw a surge in anti‑Arab sentiment across the United States. “It put a target on the back of all Arabs regardless of what country they came from,” he explained, describing how the experience made him pause and consider how people often compartmentalize others into narrow categories. “I want to explore that in my writing,” he added, drawing upon Lebanese culinary tradition, folklore and geography to ground his stories in a vibrant cultural context.

Building Empathy Through Storytelling

At the heart of Jreije’s mission is a belief that reading can cultivate empathy. “What we see happening so often in society is that people struggle to put themselves in the shoes of others,” he observed. “Books allow one to become better and better at empathizing with the other, but also critically thinking and asking the questions that will lead them to understand.” By introducing readers to diverse protagonists and narratives, Jreije hopes to broaden the library’s cultural horizons and nurture a generation of readers who are more open, curious and compassionate.

Looking Ahead

With a year to shape the library’s literary landscape, Jreije is already brainstorming initiatives. “I’m an ideas person, and maybe not all of them are feasible, but I’m hoping and dreaming for some of them,” he said. The author is eager to collaborate with local authors, educators and community organizations to create a dynamic, inclusive environment that encourages exploration and dialogue.

Mechanics’ Hall’s board welcomed the appointment as “a strategic fit for the library’s mission to be a beacon of culture and community.” “I think that the more synergy we can create, the more we can bring cultural elements to the institutions that are these mainstays and these beacons of culture, I think that good things can happen,” the library director said, echoing Jreije’s own optimism.

For a community that prides itself on literary tradition, the arrival of a writer who bridges cultures and genres promises to add a fresh voice to the public conversation. As Jreije settles into his new office, patrons and staff alike will be watching to see how his stories and initiatives transform the everyday experience of visiting Portland’s beloved library.