Librotea has established itself as a book recommendation platform that combines editorial curation, thematic lists, and a strong social component centered around reading. Born within the EL PAÍS ecosystem, the project has gradually added sections, events, and audiovisual formats, becoming a go-to resource for discovering what to read based on specific tastes, moods, or interests.
What sets it apart is its emphasis on human recommendations: “recommendations from people to people .” This is complemented by cultural coverage, interviews, and collaborations with writers, screenwriters, musicians, and critics. In addition, the site has held contests, promoted commemorative lists, and launched a video channel with concise reviews, all with the aim of helping each reader find their next great read while staying on top of the latest publishing trends.
What is Librotea and why does it matter?
In its evolution, Librotea has transformed from a network of lists and reader profiles into a specialized website with a new content layout , designed to facilitate the discovery of new publications and cross-referenced recommendations. This redesign reorganizes sections, highlights collections, and improves access to thematic selections, reinforcing its role as a cultural guide for a wide range of audiences.
The core idea is simple: editorial and critical work deserves a place where it's easy to access, share, and discuss. That's why, in addition to reviews and interviews, we promote collaborative lists—ranging from poetry and wellness to reading guides—that connect with specific communities. The motto "peer-to-peer recommendation model" is more than just a slogan: it structures navigation and how readers find each other and books.
In this context, initiatives such as these awards, now in their first edition, have emerged, celebrating the editorial work of the past year and explicitly honoring the exchange of reading recommendations among users. This dual dimension—celebrating both publishers and those who make recommendations—consolidates Librotea as a cultural hub with its own distinct identity.
Another distinguishing feature is its connection with bookstores. Its roadmap announced that it would be possible to access all bookstores in the country through this social website , a promise that reflects its aim to build bridges between readers, publishers, and points of sale. This commitment to widespread reach adds value to the book industry and to bibliodiversity.
Human recommendations: reviews, lists, and readings
Librotea fosters cultural conversation with sections like READINGS , review spaces, and critical capsules aimed at informing purchasing or borrowing decisions. Opinion pieces abound, all guided by a clear philosophy: reading as a way of life. One text in its "viewpoint" section poetically states that "we read to leave the room ," and that interrupting our reading leaves us with nowhere to return. This phrase encapsulates the project's spirit: to open doors, not just recommend titles.
The website also dedicates attention to contemporary poetry . One example is its focus on Roberto San Geroteo and his book *El fuego hace su trabajo* (Fire Does Its Work), a collection of poetry notebooks published between 2000 and 2011. At Librotea, poetry engages in dialogue with narrative, essay, and non-fiction, catering to a wide range of audiences and keeping alive a sensitivity to rhythms and short forms.
In the field of well-being—aptly labeled WELL-BEING —works are presented that span a broad spectrum of social thought: from Virginia Woolf to the queer phenomenon, with a clear intention of tracing genealogies, concepts, and contemporary debates. These selections aim to offer context, not just isolated titles, so that each reader understands why a particular book might be relevant today.
Furthermore, the Leisure section explores reading trends that the digital environment has amplified: the rise of booktubers, literary bloggers, and the inclusion of writers and filmmakers as influencers. This leads to a cross-cutting editorial approach: to capture this diverse perspective so that readers can discover different paths to the same work.
Following this same logic, alternative access methods such as digital reading or buying secondhand books are suggested— practical options for expanding the reach of reading without sacrificing the bookstore experience. The idea is that the reading habit should not be hindered by barriers of availability or format.
Audiovisual channel: Isa Calderón and “I’ve come to talk about your book”
One of Librotea's most recognizable initiatives has been the launch of an audiovisual review channel featuring screenwriter Isa Calderón. With a direct tone and sharp humor, Calderón discusses recent books and contemporary classics, sparking debates and offering informal approaches to literary criticism. This format makes books more accessible to those who prefer video as their entry point.
Under the "I've come to talk about your book" segment, Isa Calderón has discussed titles such as Vivian Gornick's latest novel , adding to the conversation how the American author lays bare intimate experience and the writing of the self. The approachable nature of the reviews—sometimes as insightful as they are entertaining—is key to the channel's success.
The list of works discussed is varied and helps to gauge the community's range of interests. Among the titles analyzed are, for example: Joyce's Daughter by Annabel Abbs; Hunger by Roxane Gay; History of Violence by Édouard Louis; The Future Is Vegetable by Stefano Mancuso; Men by Angelika Schrobsdorff; A Girl Without Luck by Noemí Sabugal; and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson.
Beyond the strictly literary, these audiovisual pieces circulate ideas about gender, body, memory, science, and relationships , connecting with readers who seek lively conversations rather than definitive verdicts. Thus, the medium does not replace written criticism, but rather complements it with rhythm and expressiveness.
Meetings and reading community
Librotea also organizes and promotes live events. In a talk with readers, a Barcelona-based writer presented his novel The King Receives and discussed creative processes, the city, and memory; formats like this strengthen the bond between author and audience and reinforce the experiential dimension of reading.
In a second EL PAÍS | Librotea event, young poets Elvira Sastre, Andrea Valbuena, and Sara Búho took the stage, demonstrating how contemporary poetry engages with social media, readings, and new forms of oral expression. Poetry, in this way, has moved beyond isolation and become part of a broader generational conversation.
There was also an event with the author of Sleepless Nights (Seix Barral), where her early readings were discussed, along with a winter in New York and some thoughts on feminism, family, and her relationship with the media. These kinds of sessions are valuable because they humanize the author and open doors to books that the reader might not have been aware of.
Attending book fairs and literary events is also part of the community. Screenwriter Isa Calderón visited the Madrid book fair seeking recommendations from booksellers and visitors , taking advantage of that living map of booths and catalogs that each spring renews the ritual of encountering books.
Music is not left out: singer-songwriter Andrés Suárez shared that the driving force behind his imagination is fueled by everyday life and stories he encounters in his reading. This intersection of arts—literature and song—serves as practical evidence of how books nourish other disciplines.
Awards and acknowledgements
The platform launched awards in its inaugural year to celebrate the previous year's publishing achievements and, at the same time, highlight the value of peer-to-peer recommendation. This initiative recognizes both publishers and the community of readers who sustain the daily conversation.
Internationally, the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences recognized Librotea, along with other projects from the group, such as a virtual reality report on Fukushima and the newspaper's app. This prestigious award validates the company's innovation in formats and user experience.
The promotion of special lists has also served to highlight key milestones in the publishing ecosystem. Librotea celebrated Babelia's 25th anniversary and Bookstore Day with an essential selection, emphasizing the social role of recommending and supporting independent bookstores, chains, and cooperative projects.
Website evolution, contests and bookstores
With its transformation into a specialized website, Librotea reorganized its sections so readers can quickly find what they're looking for. At the same time, themed contests and interactive activities have been launched. One particularly eye-catching contest offered participants the chance to win a record player by following one of five literary principles, encouraging them to write and play with language.
The project has also launched competitive phases to select winners in community initiatives, a “second phase” that serves to maintain interest, give visibility to new voices, and reward creative reading. These activities create an ecosystem where people not only read, but also create and discuss.
Regarding bookstores, the aspiration to provide access to "all bookstores in the country" through the social platform indicates a desire to map the book landscape . From a user's perspective, this means knowing where to buy, order, or discover a new book in the neighborhood or in the next city we visit.
Librotea, moreover, doesn't operate in a vacuum: writers, critics, essayists, musicians, filmmakers, and users share their tastes on the platform, with open and nuanced lists. The diversity of profiles multiplies entry points to a single title, adds layers of interpretation, and reinforces the site's dialogic nature.
Thematic lists and free readings: from classics to science fiction
One of the most popular selections is a collection of free downloadable books for all ages , designed for vacation and leisure time. This offering includes titles ranging from pleasure to horror, encompassing science fiction and psychedelic experiences; a diverse range that appeals to curious readers eager to explore without any upfront costs.
In the section on “gentle seduction,” it is emphasized that the Kama Sutra is not a catalog of positions, but a vital guide to love, desire, and intimacy with one's partner, understood as the art of living. The focus is on the philosophical and cultural dimension of this ancient Hindu text, rather than on the stereotypical interpretations to which it is sometimes reduced.
Among the rediscoveries is Mathilda , the lesser-known novel by Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein. The work took over 140 years to be published after it was written and, with autobiographical undertones, delves into the nature of pain, love, and destruction in a story marked by the taboo of incestuous desire. It is an example of how classics conceal layers that remain uncomfortable and relevant.
Science fiction offers canonical titles. Arthur C. Clarke sets course for the cosmic with Rendezvous with Rama : in the year 2130, a group of astronomers detects a gigantic object—50 kilometers long—crossing space at high speed. The suspicion that it is not a simple asteroid, but a spaceship, unleashes one of the most hypnotic tales in the genre. The author returns to his specialty: scientific mystery as a driving force of wonder.
Before the global phenomenon of A Song of Ice and Fire, George R.R. Martin compiled short stories and novellas of fantasy, horror, and science fiction, earning nominations for awards such as the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards. In Night Voyagers, the stories traverse extreme missions, unsettling climates, and interstellar characters who operate at the very limits of human endurance.
Visionary nonfiction also has its place with Aldous Huxley's *The Doors of Perception* . While reflecting on art and consciousness, the author recounts his experience with hallucinogenic substances—such as peyote—and explores the possibilities of expanding perception. The work engages with painting and literature, leaving a lingering question: how do we see, and what can change what we see?
And for those who enjoy a thrill, Horacio Quiroga offers Tales of Love, Madness, and Death, with impeccable pieces that have marked generations in Latin America. “The Feather Pillow” remains a masterful gateway to his universe: the unsettling emerging from the everyday, creatures teetering on the edge of reality, and twists that compel you to keep turning the pages until the very end.
These lists often mention the possibility of accessing the texts for free, frequently because they are in the public domain or in digital libraries. When citing resources or website names, it's important to remember that it's best to prioritize legal channels: public libraries, public domain repositories, and platforms with permissions . This ensures secure access and respect for copyright.
Access from networks and technical requirements
On social media, Librotea's presence is subject to each platform's own rules. For example, when accessing X (the network formerly known as Twitter) with JavaScript disabled, users may encounter a warning that prevents navigation and prompts them to enable it or use a compatible browser. This message typically directs users to the Help Center and documents such as the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, imprint, and advertising information, all bearing the updated corporate signature (© 2025 X Corp.).
These types of technical barriers are not minor: if you want to follow lists, watch review clips, or participate in recommendation threads, it's advisable to keep your browser up to date and your security settings balanced, to prevent a simple technical restriction from cutting off access to content and the conversation with other readers.
How to get the most out of Librotea if you're looking for something to read
The beauty of a recommendation service like Librotea is that it combines expert judgment with community voice . One way to get the most out of it is to first explore its thematic collections—poetry, wellness, fiction, science—and then compare them with lists of like-minded users. This dual approach (curation + community) reduces the noise inherent in an abundance of books.
Isa Calderón's video reviews offer a different filter: in just a few minutes you can decide whether a title is right for you and quickly move on to another suggestion. It's like visiting a bookstore and having someone tell you why they liked or disliked a book, but with the added benefit of being able to pause, rewind, and share the clip with friends.
Meetings and talks with authors offer a firsthand look at the motivations, processes, and contexts behind each work; often, a well-conducted conversation opens more doors than a synopsis. If you're interested in emerging poetry, rediscovering voices in nonfiction, or finding classic science fiction you didn't know existed, these events serve as a compass.
Finally, contests and commemorative lists (such as those dedicated to Babelia's 25th anniversary or Bookstore Day) help to promote the catalog beyond just new releases. A carefully curated selection brings back valuable titles that may have gone unnoticed at the time.
The Librotea ecosystem—with its awards for publishing, redesigned website, a distinctive review channel, events blending poetry, fiction, and music, and lists ranging from classics to science fiction— offers a dynamic map for choosing your next read . Those who arrive searching for "what to read now" will find peer-to-peer recommendations, bookstores on the horizon, digital and secondhand reading options, and a reminder of why we read: to escape our rooms and, at the same time, always have somewhere to return to.
