Although all the events for Book Day have already wrapped up—such as the big festival held in Plaza de España last Sunday— Madrid remains committed to literature. And it’s doing so with the opening of a new bookstore right across from Retiro Park.
It is La Fuertes, the new project by booksellers Sergio Bang and Goyo Villasevil, who are already enjoying the success of the Grant bookstore, which specializes in essays, comics, fanzines, artists’ books, fiction, and illustrated books.
Just a few days ago, on April 26, they announced the news via their social media, with a message full of enthusiasm and affection: “This is a very important step and, hopefully, also a new space for those of you who see bookstores as more than just a place to buy books.”
Where will La Fuertes be located?
La Fuertes will be located at 1 Doce de Octubre Street, on the corner of Menéndez Pelayo Street and right across from Retiro Park, as its owners have explained.
They hope to open in mid-May, but haven’t confirmed an exact date yet because they’re in the middle of renovations. “We’re still going at it with the drill and the jigsaw, building shelves and tables that we’ll soon fill with beautiful, interesting, and readable books, ”they write on their Instagram account.
Book launches, art, and activities
At Grant, they are clear that their space is not just a place for sales, but also for gathering, conversation, and shared thought. And this is precisely the spirit they will bring to La Fuertes, where a carefully curated program is also expected to build customer loyalty.
In fact, Grant is on our list of the best bookstores in Madrid , not only for its selection of books but also for its cultural offerings. On their website, they describe themselves as an independent bookstore, “one of those that operates with a small team, long hours, and far more work than meets the eye.”
Visitors will find a small café where they can enjoy a snack while reading, as well as areas dedicated to book presentations and meetings with authors. The space is even shared with the Swinton Gallery, offering the opportunity to discover the works of urban and independent artists.