Last weekend, the Plaza Mayor of Fuentenovilla was transformed into a true meeting point for book lovers., with the celebration of a new edition of the Used Book Market. This event, which this year reached its eleventh edition, It coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Municipal Library “Blas de Salcedo”, a local reference in the promotion of reading and cultural life.
Despite intense heat in the morning and several storms in the afternoon, Residents and visitors did not hesitate to seek refuge under the arcades of the church and in the surroundings of the Picota to enjoy the cultural day.The spirit of collaboration and the desire to share culture helped overcome any adverse weather conditions.
The market, as is tradition, started with book donations from neighbors and friends of the library.After a careful selection process, the repeated or discarded specimens were put up for sale at symbolic prices, with the aim of raising funds so the library can continue adding new releases for all audiences, from novels and essays to children's and audiovisual materials. José Vicente Monge, head of the library, emphasized that "All the money raised is reinvested in the library, depending on what our members ask us for.”, highlighting the key role of volunteers and neighbors in the smooth running of the event.
Among this year's new features, Attendees were able to buy books 'by weight', at five euros per kilo, or select individual titles at different prices., making reading even more accessible to people of all ages and tastes. Marina Pérez, a volunteer at the market, highlighted the special atmosphere that prevails on the day, with “People of all ages coming together to share culture and collaborate on improving the library".
Furthermore, The Councilor for Culture, María Murillo, highlighted the library's role beyond simply lending books.. For Murillo, “It is a true cultural and social engine of the municipality, and the market, along with the rest of the activities, demonstrates that culture can unite generations even in the face of adverse weather conditions.”
Complementary activities for all ages
The day was not only focused on the buying and selling of books. Since the morning, the Gus Marionetas company organized a practical workshop in which the little ones They learned to create their own puppets and discover the secrets of puppet theaterFernando Arregui, who led the workshop, encouraged the children to “Create characters and let your imagination run wild, with the hope that new puppeteers or, at least, curious spectators will emerge.".
As the afternoon and rain fell, the organization quickly adapted to protect the books and continue with the planned programming. Gus Marionetas offered the show "The Inauguration." a performance with glove puppets and live music that delighted both children and adultsArregui highlighted the importance of this type of proposal: “Bringing puppet theater to the streets and around books is a wonderful way to celebrate culture.".
Along with these proposals, The program included a round table discussion by the Fuentenovilla Reading ClubThere, participants of all ages shared their literary recommendations and analyses, reinforcing the idea of the library as a space of cultural and social dynamism.
Popular momentum and national recognition
The flea market was also attended by prominent local figures, such as Álex N. Lachhein, a contributor to the popular television program "Cuarto Milenio," who wanted to share in the celebration with his neighbors.
The mayor, Montserrat Rivas, took the opportunity to thank the collective effort which makes the market possible and, in particular, the dedication of those who promote the life of the “Blas de Salcedo” Library on its twentieth anniversary.This market represents the best of our community: people who join forces to strengthen cultural life and keep the pulse of the people alive,” he said.
The work of the library has been recognized on several occasions at the national level, especially with the María Moliner Awards for Reading Promotion, thanks to projects that integrate reading promotion, social inclusion, and development. Among the notable programs are "Reading is Life and Life is Reading" and "Our Town, Our Readings."
Reading, solidarity and intergenerational coexistence
The day ended with the traditional charity raffle., whose funds will be entirely allocated to improving the library and acquiring new materials for members and readers.
Despite the climatic difficulties, The event once again became a tribute to reading and the fundamental role of shared culture. In the small town of Alcarria, the Blas de Salcedo Library currently has nearly 750 members and a collection of more than 7.600 volumes, reflecting the local commitment to promoting reading and community participation.
The experience of the Second-Hand Book Market in Fuentenovilla demonstrates how A passion for books can unite generations, strengthen neighborhood ties, and keep the cultural pulse of a town alive.The voluntary involvement, creativity in the activities, and reinvestment of the proceeds back into the library attest to the charitable and community-based nature of this annual celebration, which, year after year, consolidates its importance in the local calendar.