Located on Avenida de Canarias, near San Rafael Square and Los Algodoneros Square, this establishment has gone beyond simply selling books to become a space where stories come alive and cultural exchange is fostered across generations.
The bookstore's journey began over 45 years ago, when the Artiles family, originally from Agüimes, opened the business in May 1980. Siblings Ana Artiles and Pepe Artiles laid the foundation for a project that would eventually become a key cultural reference in southeast Gran Canaria. In its early days, book management was manual, reflecting an era with less technology and a greater reliance on intuition and memory.
In the early 2000s, the bookstore experienced a generational handover. A new owner took over on April 1, 2002, maintaining the original spirit of the business while adapting it to modern times. An employee, who joined the team shortly before, has become the visible soul of the place, managing daily operations with a blend of experience and love for books, alongside three other colleagues.
“"It's a small bookstore, but very much alive."
Proximity is one of the bookstore's main hallmarks. Its shelves offer everything from new releases to children's and adult literature, with a dedicated space for Canarian authors. This commitment extends to organizing book signings and author meetings, as well as supporting self-publishing through an associated copy shop, helping new talents publish their works.
The bookstore has also adapted to social changes. The COVID-19 pandemic, far from being a threat, spurred a resurgence in reading, attracting new audiences such as teenagers and families. Currently, the clientele is more diverse, including foreign residents seeking books in English, German, or Italian, reflecting the region's plurality.
Despite challenges and uncertainty surrounding major book fairs, Librería Vecindario remains steadfast. These events have become crucial sales opportunities, as demonstrated at a recent event in Telde and the upcoming Vecindario fair. Book Day, celebrated every April 23, is a particularly significant date, transforming the bookstore into a hub of celebration and gathering for reading enthusiasts.
Looking to the future, the bookstore aims to modernize its facilities and expand its cultural activities, including outdoor presentations to enrich the reading experience. The main goal remains to preserve the essence of this space, which in an increasingly digital world, continues to be a refuge where time stands still and stories come to life.
