La Laguna Launches City-Wide "Book Route" to Boost Local Culture and Commerce

La Laguna is cementing its status as a cultural hub this week, using the lead-up to Book Day to support local businesses and community groups. The City Council has launched a program that blends reading initiatives with performing arts, bringing together around twenty local shops and organizations.

The centerpiece of the event is the "Book Route," which runs until next Saturday. To encourage participation, the city has introduced a "passport" system: shoppers who make purchases at participating locations can get their passports stamped for a chance to win a trip to El Hierro. This initiative supports local bookstores—including El Águila, El Refugio, Solicán, Lemus, Librería Diocesana, Identidad, and El Pequeño Baobab—while also highlighting cultural venues like the Adrián Alemán de Armas Municipal Library, the Mexico-Canary Islands Foundation, Espacio La Panera, Canelita en Rama, Soho La Laguna, and La Machín Bar.

With over 40 events on the schedule, the program goes beyond shopping to focus on literary and artistic engagement. Highlights include book signings with authors like Rayco Pulido, Vivien Déniz, and María Vera, alongside specialized workshops. Participants can attend sessions on décima espinela poetry at the Mexico-Canary Islands Foundation, early childhood music classes at El Pequeño Baobab, and poetry performances, such as Violeta Gil’s event at the municipal library or the "Leyendo Miradas" recital at La Machín Bar.

The cultural celebration also features the "La Laguna Titiritando" International Puppet Festival, with the Plaza del Adelantado serving as the main stage. From reading marathons in the Plaza de la Concepción to art book exhibitions at Espacio La Panera, the program reflects a city-wide effort to make culture accessible to everyone. You can find the full schedule and event locations at larutadellibro.com.