The Silent Battle of Bookstores
In the heart of Madrid, where the bustle of tourism threatens to drown out the local essence, bookstores are in a constant struggle for survival. La Cava Baja, an emblematic corner of the city, is home to Desperate Literature, a literary refuge that has withstood the onslaught of gentrification for over a decade. However, this is not an isolated story; many other bookstores are facing similar challenges.
The story of Desperate Literature, run by Terry Craven and Charlotte Delattre, is a testament to the devastating impact that real estate speculation has on local businesses. After being evicted from their previous location on Calle Campomanes due to the building's purchase by an investment fund, they managed to find a new home on Cava Baja thanks to a clever legal strategy. “Moving involves not just relocating books and customers, but also everything built over the years,” explains Craven.
However, not all bookstores have been so fortunate. Tipos Infames, another iconic bookstore located in Malasaña, recently announced its closure due to economic pressures stemming from capitalism and gentrification. This closure has reignited the debate about the future of cultural commerce in Madrid and how these dynamics affect local communities.
The phenomenon is not limited to the historic centre; even in areas like Alcobendas, small bookstores like El movimiento del caracol, specialising in children's and young adult literature, face the same fate. Patricia Bardullas, its owner, laments that exorbitant prices make it impossible to maintain a sustainable business: “Rent prices are outrageous and there’s simply no way to compete with them.”
Despite these overwhelming challenges, bookstores are adapting to the new times. Craven notes that the book has changed its cultural status; it is now seen more as a decorative object than as an essential source of knowledge and identity. Social media has transformed how literature is consumed: “The face of a bookstore has changed a lot in recent years,” he adds.
Despite the bleak outlook, there is hope. Bookstores are seeking innovative ways to connect with their communities. At Mujeres & Compañía La Librería, Miren Elorduy emphasises the importance of political and social engagement: “We don’t want to be just a place to buy books; we want to be safe spaces for critical thinking.”
As this process of urban transformation progresses, many fear that Madrid will become a city stripped of its original cultural fabric. Craven warns: “If we continue to allow our cities to empty internally just to cater to tourism or foreign capital, we will lose our identity.”
You may also like
