These unique “book-benches” will be available until June 14 in districts such as Centro, Retiro, Chamberí, Salamanca, Chamartín, Tetuán, Fuencarral-El Pardo, and Moncloa-Aravaca. The campaign, driven by the City Council in collaboration with Penguin Random House, JCDecaux, and Dentsu, is presented under the slogan “Your next book is within reach.”
The official presentation took place in Matute Square, with the participation of the delegates for Economy, Innovation and Finance, and for Culture, Tourism and Sport, along with the councilor for the Centro district. During the event, the crucial role of neighborhood bookstores in Madrid's cultural and economic life was highlighted.
“"We have placed them near bookstores and libraries, so that it is an invitation for people to approach and enter and also give life to that small business, to that bookstore that I am convinced will welcome them with open arms."
Each bench includes a QR code that provides access to the municipal platform “Todo Está en Madrid.” From there, users can geolocate the nearest bookstores or follow a route connecting the different points of the campaign, facilitating the translation of street interest into visits to local businesses.
One of the benches, located in the Barrio de las Letras, pays homage to the writer Isabel Allende and her work La palabra mágica. The capital boasts 504 establishments dedicated to selling books and newspapers, with a notable presence in districts like Centro (142), Chamberí (72), and Salamanca (41).
“"This initiative reflects the commitment of the Madrid City Council to cultural work and to making Madrid the most avid reading city in Spain."
According to the delegate for Culture, Tourism and Sport, reading rates in Madrid are eight points above the national average, and this campaign aims to consolidate that trend, inviting citizens to particularly support local neighborhood bookstores.
