4.6
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You are what you read
Librería Lé
Lé is a young bookstore that nevertheless carries a long bookselling legacy. Rodrigo Rivero, a renowned bookseller with nearly forty years of experience, had a dream: to give new life and fill with books the historic walls of Castellana 154, where two legendary Madrid bookstores —Crisol and Aguilar— once stood.
The bookstore’s name was conceived by poet and “namer of things” Fernando Beltrán. It’s a play on the imperative of the verb “to read,” emphasizing the importance of reading itself.
"Its name comes from a play on words with the imperative of the verb “to read.”"
In August 2009, the bookstore opened its doors for the first time. To Rodrigo Rivero’s dream and enthusiasm joined those of the booksellers who began the journey with him, most of whom are still part of Lé today. Booksellers by trade, with long experience devoted to books, even before the store’s founding.
Driven by that experience and passion, the bookstore quickly found its place in Madrid’s literary scene and became a cultural reference in the city’s northern area.
© Librería Lé.In 2017, the Federation of Publishers’ Guilds of Spain (FGEE) awarded Lé the Boixareu Ginesta Prize for Bookseller of the Year, a recognition given since 1995 to bookstores and booksellers who play a key role in promoting culture and reading. This award was especially meaningful for Lé’s team, as it honored both their collective work and Rodrigo Rivero’s individual contribution.
In July 2021, Lé took a new direction. Always aiming to improve and offer readers the best experience, the bookstore moved from its original location to a new space just 400 meters away, at 8 Avenida Alberto Alcocer — a venue of similar size but more modern, warm, and functional. A new look to preserve Lé’s essence: personalized service and the goal of turning every customer into a friend and part of the Lé family. This renewal also strengthened Lé’s role as a cultural meeting point, designed to comfortably host events such as book signings, author talks, children’s storytelling sessions, exhibitions, and reading clubs.
© Librería Lé.In April 2024, a new chapter began. Rodrigo Rivero retired, but not before ensuring that Lé’s legacy would live on. This is where Bookish came in — a company committed to creating a network of bookstores with distinct personalities and unique identities. To Lé’s legacy and prestige, born of years of dedication and passion, now adds the energy of a modern, creative brand aiming to reinforce Lé’s place in culture and reading promotion.
Without a doubt, this will not be the last chapter in Lé’s story. Many more pages remain to be written — and many more readings to be enjoyed.
