A book and a cozy nook
Unlike any other lending library, Libros Schmibros, located in East LA’s Mariachi Plaza, isn’t too concerned about the borrowed books being returned to the stacks. The man behind the institution, David Kipen, only cares that more people are reading. In fact, prior to returning to Los Angeles, he headed the National Reading Initiatives by the National Endowment for the Arts and launched the Big Read and the One Book One City campaigns. With Libros Schmibros, Kipen’s mission remains the same: open and improve lives through literature.
A visit to the library, with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and big wooden tables usually full of local Schmibrodites, is like getting reading therapy. Tell Kipen what you like and he’ll curate a collection of titles sure to suit your taste. If you have the means, give a little love and become a donor member. You’ll go home with a T-shirt or tote bag, just like public radio, and an armful of books.
Info
Address 1711 Mariachi Plaza de Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90033, +1 323.688.4850, www.librosschimbros.org | Public Transport Gold Line to Mariachi Plaza Station | Getting there Metered and unmetered street parking | Hours Thu–Sun noon–6pm| Tip Solicit a mariachi band for a quinceañera or backyard party at Mariachi Plaza. Many bands charge by the number of musicians and hours played. Please note, all-female mariachi bands are rare and typically cost more than all-male or mixed groups. Olé!
But Libros Schmibros isn’t just about the cool schwag. It’s about literacy, community service with plenty of volunteer opportunities, and a bit of artistic happening as well. Curated donations are accepted but must be vetted prior to drop-off. Details are on their website. Among the many events and outreach, the library hosts workshops for eastside writers by eastside writers. Kipen also ventures west to host a book club at the Hammer Museum in Westwood. And in true mobile outreach mode, Libros Schmibros has a fleet of “bicycle libraries.” Each two-wheeled bookmobile is outfitted to carry forty books each, date-stamped with a card, old-school lending-library style. Volunteer cyclists choose their own selection of books and bike the neighborhood in search of readers. With any luck, the recipients will wend their way to Libros Schmibros, tome in hand, ready to exchange and venture deeper into the expansive world of literature.
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