George Jreije, a Lebanese American author of several novels and graphic novels, will join Mechanics’ Hall later this month as the nonprofit’s official writer in residence.
The Portland-based nonprofit cultural hub and member-supported library selected Jreije from 51 applicants for the year-long residency, which begins Sept. 22.
The program aims to give a Maine writer the time, space, financial support and institutional backing to advance a current creative project.
Jreije, based in Portland, will have a dedicated workspace in the Mechanics’ Hall library, a $2,500 honorarium, promotion through the Hall’s communications channels, and opportunities to connect with other writers, artists and readers. Throughout the year, he’ll also share his work through workshops, public programs and conversations.
“George sees literature as a way to bring people together, and he has a remarkable ability to make reading feel welcoming, relevant and fun,” said Annie Leahy, executive director of Mechanics’ Hall. “Just as importantly, he came to us asking, ‘How can I help?’ That generosity and curiosity are exactly what this role is all about.”
The residency builds on Mechanics’ Hall’s long history as a place for writers and makers to work alongside one another. Unlike a traditional residency built around solitude, Mechanics’ Hall offers an environment that moves between quiet workdays and lively gatherings.
Jreije’s work, published by HarperCollins, Scholastic, UNICEF and others, draws on Lebanese and Arab American culture, mythology, family, identity and belonging, reaching a broad audience — including those who may not think of themselves as traditional “book people.”
“I’m humbled to step into a role held by my wonderful predecessor, Mira, and continue cultivating the community Mechanics’ Hall has built,” Jreije said. “Now, more than ever, it’s important that we welcome readers new and old for the purpose of building a literary ecosystem that will stand the test of time.”
