Spanish Town of Libros Celebrates Reading and Cultural Revitalization with ‘Towns That Count’ Initiative

The little Spanish municipality of Libros is taking center stage in a nationwide effort to promote reading in rural areas. The “Towns That Count” initiative, spearheaded by Grupo Planeta, will culminate in a special event on March 25th, coinciding with the approach of World Children’s Book Day on April 2nd. The initiative aims to combat depopulation and foster cultural enrichment in communities with limited access to cultural events.

A Town Built on Books

Libros, a town of just over one hundred residents, has become a symbol of cultural revitalization through its dedication to books. The town recently garnered attention for collecting over 60,000 donated books from across Spain. This commitment is further demonstrated by the planned opening of an innovative library-hotel, inspired by the New York Public Library, signaling a significant investment in the town’s cultural infrastructure.

‘We Build the Reading Town’

This year’s “Towns That Count” event, themed “We build the reading town,” will welcome over 200 children from various educational centers in the province of Teruel. The event will feature prominent authors of children’s literature and interactive booths themed around popular book collections. The goal is to create a fun and engaging environment where children can explore their favorite stories and participate in creative workshops.

A Prelude to Children’s Book Week

The event in Libros will serve as a precursor to Children’s Book Week, effectively establishing the municipality as a central hub for children’s reading in the Aragon region. Participatory workshops will encourage children to collaboratively build a symbolic “Book Fair,” decorating themed booths with beloved children’s books.

Local Leaders Champion Cultural Initiatives

Raúl Arana, the mayor of Libros, emphasized the importance of cultural offerings in rural areas, stating that they are “key to strengthening identity, coexistence and development opportunities.” He expressed confidence that investing in reading and cultural revitalization can revitalize rural environments and encourage community participation. Javier Sierra, a writer from Teruel and advocate for Libros’ cultural promotion, described the initiative as “one of the most poetic” because it “vindicates access to culture where it was born, in the countryside.”

Extending the Impact Beyond a Single Day

The “Towns That Count” event will extend beyond the initial day of activities. Grupo Planeta will leave the event materials and setup in Libros, allowing residents and visitors to continue enjoying the experience through April 2nd. Workshops centered around the featured book collections will also be offered in various bookstores throughout Teruel.