The scent of new paper and old stories hangs heavy in the air, a fragrant defiance against the digital tide. This is Verbena Libros, a bookstore born from a dream and a bold leap of faith by four friends – María Pérez, Silvia de la Cruz, María Hernández, and Daniel Segura. Located at Tabernillas, 13, in Madrid’s historic La Latina district, this new cultural haven is more than just a place to buy books; it’s a vibrant declaration of community, conversation, and the enduring power of the printed word.
A Dream Takes Root: Defying the Digital Giant
For years, the vision of Verbena Libros existed only in their imaginations – a cozy space with exposed brick and a distinctive storefront. The fear of entrepreneurship, a common adversary, had kept their dream at bay until recently. “The stars aligned. We crunched the numbers, and when we saw the idea was viable, only then did we take the plunge. We’re not afraid of Amazon,” explains María, her voice resonating with determination. In an era dominated by screens and algorithms, Verbena Libros champions great titles and meaningful discussions, prioritizing shared experiences over mere transactions.
This bookstore is the latest addition to Madrid’s surprisingly resilient literary scene. Alongside establishments like Elástica, Parenthesis, and Celama, Verbena marks another chapter in the ongoing resurgence of an industry that has weathered decades of challenges. The founders’ ambition is clear: to transform their shop into a sanctuary for connection and respite for the residents who remain in the bustling city center. “It’s been beautiful. Several neighbors have already visited to thank us for the initiative. We hope it makes them feel as good as it makes us feel,” María adds, a warm smile gracing her face.
From Clothing Shop to Cultural Hub: The Search for a Home
Verbena Libros officially opened its doors on November 6th, occupying a space that once housed a clothing store. Nestled among lively bars and cafes, the bookstore is committed to revitalizing local life. “We visited 30 different establishments before finding this one. It was pure chance, just when we were starting to despair. Since we couldn’t find anything through real estate agencies, we decided to scour the city ourselves. And then, one day, we saw a ‘For Rent’ sign. They showed it to us the next morning. It only took a few minutes for us to decide. It was the stroke of luck we needed,” María recounts. The previous tenants moved to Huertas, paving the way for Verbena Libros to begin its journey. After a period of preparation, the bookstore is now fully operational, eager to celebrate books and planning a diverse range of activities to highlight their value.
More Than Just Books: Building a Community
Starting in December, Verbena Libros will host workshops, book presentations, and storytelling sessions, all designed to foster community ties. A book club is also in the works, with recruitment already underway. “We love all genres. We have fiction, essays, and comics, as well as a small section dedicated to cinema, art, music, theater, and poetry. And because we’re surrounded by schools, we’ve made a point of focusing on children’s books. We want the little ones to have a blast,” María explains, emphasizing the festive spirit that underpins Verbena. Indeed, the bookstore’s name itself is a tribute to La Paloma, Madrid’s iconic August festival.
A Beacon of Hope in a Challenging Landscape
In an era marked by closures, projects like Verbena Libros shine a light on a sector that often hangs by a thread. The reality, however, remains stark: 129 municipalities in the Community of Madrid, representing 72% of the total, lack a single bookstore. This figure, as owners have warned EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA, could rise in the coming years. While 28% of the territory having bookstores might seem low, it doesn’t mean books are inaccessible elsewhere; they can be found through intermediaries, kiosks, and even gas stations. This situation is particularly surprising given the latest Barometer of Reading Habits and Book Purchases in Spain, which indicates that over 65% of the population reads regularly.
To contend with the formidable competition from platforms like Amazon, Verbena Libros has already implemented strategies. “They’ve matched our shipping rates, which is a significant help for small businesses. But beyond that, in our case, we prioritize proximity. That’s what sets us apart. We enjoy connecting with people, offering them a human touch. We hold their orders, we notify them. Big corporations don’t have this responsibility. Anyone who visits us will leave, at the very least, with our smile,” concludes María, fondly recalling the first book they sold: Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra-a timeless classic for those who, like the bookstore itself, aspire to endure.
Source: https://www.elperiodico.com/es/ocio-y-cultura/20251118/milagro-ultima-libreria-abierto-madrid-verbena-libros-latina-amazon-123841862
