Introduction
In the heart of Mexico City’s Historic Center, Donceles Street serves as a bustling hub for book lovers. This vibrant street is home to antique bookstores and the offices of institutions like El Colegio Nacional and the Academia Mexicana de la Lengua (AML). In honor of World Book Day and Authors’ Rights Day, these neighboring institutions have joined forces to organize a series of events titled “Entre libros” (Between books), running until April 26.
The Organizers
Linguist and academic Concepción Company Company, along with historian and academic Marina Garone Gravier, are spearheading this collaborative initiative. Their goal is to foster enthusiasm for books and celebrate the diverse aspects of literature.
Key Focus Areas
- The Significance of Antique Bookstores: The event will highlight the importance of antique bookstores and their role in preserving literary heritage.
- Honoring Fernando del Paso: A prominent Mexican author from the 20th and 21st centuries, del Paso would have turned 90 this year. The event includes a series of activities, including an exhibition showcasing his early book editions and drawings.
- Showcasing Bibliographic Gems: Attendees will have the opportunity to explore rare books and manuscripts from the collections of El Colegio and the AML.
- Affordable Book Sales: Both institutions will sell their published books at accessible prices.
AML’s Public Engagement
Marina Garone, co-coordinator of the event, shared that “Entre libros” aims to create a dialogue between the two institutions and engage the local community. As part of the AML’s 150th anniversary celebrations, these events will mark the first public activities held at the AML’s historic site.
The AML plans to gradually introduce more public events, learn about managing such spaces, and become an integral part of the cultural corridor on Donceles Street.
Celebrating the Broader Aspects of Books
Garone emphasized that celebrating books means acknowledging the power of words and their various formats. The event will delve into aspects such as book design, typography, weight, paper texture, and illustrations. However, the focus extends beyond objects to include people and professions that contribute to this rich literary experience.
Event Highlights
- Lenguas sobre el papel (Languages on Paper)
- Date: April 23
- Time: 16:00
- Location: AML Patio
- Coordinator: Marina Garone
- Activity: Cataloging books to safeguard words
- Lectura dramatizada: ¡Hay naranjas y hay limones! Pregones, refranes y adivinanzas en verso (Dramatic Reading: There Are Oranges and Lemons! Proverbs, Riddles, and Verse)
- Date: April 26
- Time: 11:00
- Location: El Colegio Nacional Aula Mayor
- Participants: Collective Limón con Chía
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the “Entre libros” event? The event aims to celebrate books and foster enthusiasm for literature by exploring various aspects, including antique bookstores, author appreciation, and bibliographic gems.
- Who are the organizers? The Academia Mexicana de la Lengua (AML) and El Colegio Nacional are collaborating on this initiative.
- What activities will take place during “Entre libros”? Activities include cataloging books, dramatic readings, and showcasing rare books from both institutions’ collections.
- Why is the AML opening its historic site to the public? As part of its 150th anniversary, the AML aims to gradually introduce more public events and become an active part of the cultural scene in Mexico City.
