There are immaculate libraries where every book remains exactly in its place. Some even have signs that say, “Please do not touch the books.” Ours is definitely not one of them.
Here, books travel from hand to hand. They end up on the floor, are read inside the tipi, on cushions, or in any of the cozy corners we have created to enjoy reading. Sometimes someone finishes a book and can’t quite remember where they found it. And that’s perfectly fine.
Our library is alive.
Since we opened it, beloved characters such as Mafalda and Elmer have visited its shelves. We’ve shared storytelling sessions, both homemade and professional, participated in Compilectores activities, exchanged recommendations, and created countless moments centered around books. Little by little, we have filled this space with everything that makes it feel special—not just another classroom in the school.
That’s why it may seem a little chaotic.
Because books are meant to be touched, browsed, recommended, and enjoyed. Because we believe books are not meant to decorate shelves—they are meant to be read.
It is a kind, welcoming, and lively chaos. A chaos that invites people to sit down, talk, discover stories, and lose themselves in the pages. A chaos that isn’t intimidating because it grows out of curiosity and a love of reading.
Of course, we take great care of our books. That’s why these particular books are not available for checkout. But we also want everyone to feel free to open them, leaf through them, and immerse themselves in their stories. After all, that is what books are for: to accompany us, move us, and help us see the world through different eyes.
And if, from time to time, one of them ends up on a different shelf than the one it belongs on, we consider it a small sign that it is fulfilling its purpose.