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Librería Martinez's Grand Re-opening
Festivities include a Latina authors panel, wine and cheese reception and 'Noche Bohemia' featuring live poetry and mu
By
Veronica Jacuinde
Published on LatinoLA:
February 20, 2009
Librería Martínez, the landmark bookstore and art gallery founded by Rueben Martínez, the charismatic former barber-turned-community activist, celebrated a grand re-opening with a lively all female panel of Latina authors, an acoustic classical flamenco guitar performance and wine and cheese reception.
Marcos Najera, NPR Latino Affairs Reporter, moderated a diverse panel of acclaimed Latina authors discussing their latest work including Sarah Rafael García (Las Niñas, A Collection of Childhood Memories), Jamie Martinez Wood (Rogelia's House of Magic) and Sandra López (Esperanza). Flamenco guitarist, Omar Avalos perfomred a live acoustic set of Spanish melodies. The evening culminated with a reception featuring a fine selection of wines and food samplings.
The celebration continues on Saturday, February 21st from 5-8 PM with Noche Bohemia – an intimate evening of live poetry and music by the multi-talented, José E. Grijalva, as he presents his book and accompanying CDs, Vivencias Reflejadas -- a collection of Spanish-language stories about life, his poems explore universal issues like love, passion and spirituality presented while juxtaposed against a melodic backdrop of guitar and violin. Maricela Loaza and Juan Farias will also speak. Guitar maker, Monica Esparza, exhibits her classical and Spanish guitars.
These special events exemplify the community involvement of the popular bookstore, which moves to a new space located next door, formerly the Children's Bookstore. Famous for attracting an array of internationally recognized authors, Librería Martinez has hosted Isable Allende, Carlos Fuentes, Edward James Olmos, Cheech Marin and Gloria Estefan.
The store will continue to offer the best selection of Latino literature in both English and Spanish while providing a home for top Latino literary talent. Additionally, the new space also houses a community center for LEAP – the non-profit organization founded by Mr. Martinez in 2007 to promote literacy and learning.
"We are not only a bookstore but a community cultural center where we offer reading classes and storytelling for children as well as English and citizenship preparation classes for adults" say's Rueben Martinez. His face lights up and continues. "Leer es aprender. To read is to learn." A simple motto, but one that has earned him national respect for his work empowering communities in need through his love of books.
Recently appointed a Presidential Fellowship by Chapman University, this latest recognition follows a long list of honorary titles and acknowledgements, most notably a 2004 MacArthur "genius" grant for his work in building a business while nurturing Latino culture. The new facility will serve as a focal point for his continued efforts encouraging Latino youth to pursue a college education. "The road to college begins with reading," Mr. Martinez explains.
Rueben Martinez is truly an inspiration. After cutting hair for decades, the son of copper miners began selling books out of his barbershop in 1993. He later moved into a storefront on downtown Santa Ana's Main Street where his shop, Librería Martinez, has become a pillar of the Latino literary community. After more than 20 years, Librería Martinez remains at the center of community activism and Latino culture. Show your support and join in the festive celebrations. More importantly, make it a regular habit to stop by and buy a book in order to ensure that the Librería Martinez legacy (and the important work carried out by it's founder) continues.
Librería Martinez is now located at 1200 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701. We invite all people to attend the celebratory events. For more information about Librería Martinez, please visit www.latinobooks.com.
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