Rueben Martinez

I am so delighted that someone I know just received a great honor. I
have to tell someone! Rueben Martinez was just named a MacArthur
Fellow. Rueben was my barber when I lived in California
and was a friend and mentor.

How serendipitous! Congratulations Rueben!

Rueben Martinez
Bookseller
Owner and Founder
Libreria Martinez Books and Art Gallery
Santa Ana, California
Age: 64

Rueben Martinez has elevated bookselling from a business to a campaign in support of underserved populations in California and throughout America. His Santa Ana bookstore, Libreria Martinez Books and Art Gallery, was originally a barbershop and is now among the largest commercial sellers of Spanish-language books in the country, serving as the cornerstone of cultural events and community activities that promote the benefits of reading to Hispanic-Americans and Spanish-speaking immigrants. A co-founder of the Latino Book Festival (which now tours nationally), Martinez motivates Spanish-speaking people to value literature, to read for themselves, and to read to their children. The record number of enthusiastic adults and children drawn to Libreria Martinez makes the store a destination for leading bilingual and Latino authors. Acclaimed by educators and librarians throughout the country, Martinez’ unique brand of entrepreneurship and advocacy is an important complement to institutional and program efforts to enrich and anchor the lives of a large and growing population in America.

Rueben Martinez has been a professional barber and entrepreneur for more than forty years. In 1993, he founded Libreria Martinez Books and Art Gallery, a small business operating out of his barbershop. By 1999, the bookstore had expanded and moved into its own location, and, in 2001, he launched a second venue dedicated to children’s literature. Martinez is a founding member of Santa Ana’s Reading City Committee. In 1997, he helped develop the multi-city Latino Book Festival.

From his website:

Librería Martínez Books
and Art Gallery
1110 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 973-7900

The mission of Librería Martínez Books and Art Gallery is to promote Latino literature and art. At the heart of our mission is the commitment to inspire in schools and communities a greater appreciation for education, art and culture.

By showcasing top-notch regional, national and international Latino authors and artists, we are building a business which provides educational value to our society and fosters long-term relationships with customers and friends.

Here are two more links:

• http://uk.fc.yahoo.com/040929/46/f3kra.html


• http://www.theconnection.org/shows/2004/10/20041005_b_main.asp