Verba Bookstore

How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
The bookstore began as a library. Verba operated for two years before we opened the bookstore. It was a small library of my personal books; we lent books, some came back and others didn't; we held workshops, and we sought out spaces for reading together. The library eventually expanded into a bookstore. 

From the beginning, we sought to establish ourselves as a space that would house a specific type of book: Latin American and Spanish-language productions, something that did not happen in other bookstore spaces in the city.

What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
We're a small bookstore. For now Gwen, my partner and I are the ones who do all the work; we're the ones who actually work in the shop. I think there are a couple of moments that bring a touch of magic, or even childlike excitement, to my work. The morning coffee, a kind of ritual before we sit down to review the day's schedule. The other is undoubtedly when books arrive. The box waiting to be opened, seeing what's arrived (although we usually know beforehand), the thrill of holding a stack of new books in our hands. Finally, I'd highlight something I think only small bookstores allow: knowing, almost intimately, each title on the shelves. We know which book is on each shelf, which one is out of place, we can even tell which book a customer is holding from a distance. 

If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
Take the time to browse the books! Buying a book is an intimate act, whether the book is for you or not. Being able to open it, read a bit of the middle, feel its texture, and even smell it. Browsing in a bookstore allows us to pause the rush of time outside and glimpse the many worlds contained within the bookstore walls through the books that fill them.

What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
Accept that the project is an entity separate from you. It will have needs you can't imagine, and even desires you might not have expected or wished for yourself. However, it's essential to listen to it carefully, pay attention, and know how to fulfill its wishes.

What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
A bookstore is more than just a book shop. There's a wonderful little book from the Mexican publisher Gris Tormenta, "The Invention of a Reader," in which Cecilia Fanti explores what it means to run an independent bookstore and emphasizes this idea. A bookstore is a pluralistic space, just like the books themselves. That's why the catalog selection is so important to us; the books the bookstore carries shape the narrative of the space itself.

What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
The first one that comes to mind is the Polilla bookstore in Mexico City. Before launching the project, we took a short trip to several cities in the country and visited various independent literary spaces; everyone there was incredibly generous with their experiences and knowledge. That's why we mention Polilla. Cecilia took the time to answer questions, share phone numbers and email addresses, recommend some publishers I absolutely needed to have to start with, and share tips for getting the project off the ground.

If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
It's difficult to choose just one person. There are so many with whom it would be interesting to collaborate. Likewise, we believe that those who have already been part of Verba have contributed so much—laughter, ideas, and shared experiences—that we greatly appreciate. Although, perhaps a journey from beyond the grave of the Chilean poet Berenguer, to share a coffee and some readings aloud, wouldn't be bad either.

Is there an object, corner or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
On one of the bookshelves, there's a painting by a friend, Luis. The painting is dedicated to the poet Carmen Berenguer, on the anniversary of her death. Not everyone knows this, but the bookstore is inspired by her poem "Lengua osa verba," which was also the poem I studied for my undergraduate thesis. It's a small detail I like to have there, a reminder of how far the Verba has traveled.

If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
We can't think of any one in particular. It would have to be a Son Jarocho, something that's alive. Because it will last as long as it needs to, and each day will be different depending on the people who inhabit it.

Answers by Ana Ximena Díaz Soto, creator of Verba Bookstore