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Madrid libraries fill September with books, poetry and gatherings
Madrid municipal libraries are approaching the end of summer with an agenda that goes far beyond lending books. Presentations, poetry, meetings with writers and children’s activities will occupy different centres from late August to September, with free events spread across several neighbourhoods.
The first event will take place on 31 August at the Biblioteca Pública Municipal David Gistau. María del Pilar Ángeles Gutiérrez Nuez will present Los hombres de Tarsis, a novel that combines mystery and legend around lands marked by seduction and secrets. Admission will be free until capacity is reached.
There will be two simultaneous events on 16 September. At the Biblioteca Ángel González, Juan José Vicioso Barbadillo will present Madrid y amores de un madrileño, a work of poetry linked to the city and its memories. At the same time, 19:00, the Biblioteca Francisco Umbral will host Historia de un café 1ª: simplemente tú, by José Montoya.
The Biblioteca Miguel Delibes will host two new presentations on Friday the 18th. Historia de un adolescente, by Starealidad, draws on personal experiences to discuss growth and life changes, while Carmen Valero will present Puedo, a work focused on the way we construct our own reality.
Families will have their own event on Saturday the 19th at the Biblioteca María Lejárraga. Karina Lavazza will present La bruja Beatriz, a rhyming story aimed at children aged between 3 and 8 that will combine storytelling, music and crafts. Unlike the other activities, advance registration will be required.
Poetry will return on Wednesday the 23rd with Patricia Verónica Calva Gómez and her book Poemas reales at the Biblioteca Pablo Neruda. A day later, Néstor Barbosa will be at the Miguel Delibes to discuss memory, identity and LGTBIQ+ literature through his novels Riquiño and Nuestra pluma.
All events will be free until capacity is reached, except those that require advance registration because of their characteristics. The programme also makes it possible to choose activities close to home, without always having to travel to the major cultural centres in central Madrid.
The change is especially noticeable in neighbourhoods, where libraries are increasingly functioning as small local cultural venues. An afternoon of poetry, a presentation or a storytelling session turns spaces associated with silence for years into places where neighbours and authors can meet a few minutes from home.