A new program is launching in Barcelona that could change how people buy books and support local businesses. The city council is allocating €850,000 annually to boost bookstores, aiming to strengthen their position and make them more visible to residents. This decision reflects a desire to preserve the city’s cultural identity and prevent independent shops from being pushed out by large online platforms.
City officials believe bookstores are more than just retail outlets—they are a vital part of urban life and cultural exchange. According to Mayor Jaume Collboni, supporting local shops helps preserve jobs, fosters neighborhood development, and keeps economic benefits within the city. He has openly urged residents to avoid buying from Amazon and instead choose shops in their own neighborhoods, emphasizing that this shapes the future of the urban environment.
New support measures
The plan includes fifteen different initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector. These range from professional training and digitalization to subsidies and even the option of placing bookstores in municipal premises near libraries and cultural centers. This approach seeks to create a unified cultural space where books and reading become part of daily life.
Special attention is given to digital projects: €80,000 has been allocated for the development of online stores and the implementation of new technologies. This will enable small shops to compete with major market players and offer modern services. In addition, there are plans to update the Literary Map of Barcelona, aimed at drawing attention to the city’s cultural heritage.
Education and innovation
The program provides four scholarships for training at the Bookstore School of the University of Barcelona. Specialized courses will also be organized to help store employees adapt to new market requirements. Another part of the budget—€200,000—will be spent on an information campaign highlighting the role of bookstores as cultural centers and community hubs.
An important element will be the integration of books into the city’s Bonus Cultura and Bonus Consum programs, allowing residents to receive extra benefits when buying books at local stores. In addition, management of the three Barcelona Crea scholarships will be transferred to the Booksellers Guild to encourage innovative projects, the development of new business models, and digital solutions.
Sector response and outlook
According to El Pais, bookstore representatives believe the new program is not just financial support, but an important political and cultural signal. Barcelona currently has about 380 bookshops, 134 of which are members of the Guild of Bookstores. Most of them are small independent shops closely linked to their local neighborhoods.
Guild president Èric del Arco notes that this move could serve as an example for other cities and regions, but emphasizes the need for continued efforts from public institutions. He believes that buying books at local shops is not just about price or convenience, but above all a political choice that shapes the city’s cultural future.
Context and experience from other cities
In recent years, Spain and other European countries have seen growing interest in supporting local shops and small businesses. For example, in Valencia, authorities have recently allocated significant funds to help entrepreneurs and companies soften the impact of external crises. Similar measures are being discussed in other regions, where local governments are looking to preserve the unique character of their cities and prevent the dominance of large chains. In Barcelona, steps have already been taken to protect residents and small businesses, such as postponing tenant evictions after public pressure— details on the eviction deferral situation in Gràcia can be found on russpain.com.
Overall, the trend of supporting local bookstores is becoming increasingly noticeable. Across various cities in Spain, new initiatives are emerging to preserve cultural diversity and foster the growth of local communities. These programs benefit not only businesses but also encourage new habits among residents, reviving interest in reading and in-person interactions at bookstores.
