Paula Ortiz

Libreria Barco de Papel, a minority and women-owned Spanish-language bookstore in Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, Queens, is dedicated to bridging the literary and cultural gap in New York City. They offer a diverse selection of new and used books across genres and time periods, catering to readers of all ages and languages. With the grant, they plan to digitize their inventory and establish a strong online retail presence, expanding their reach beyond the local community to serve the over 40 million Spanish speakers across the United States. The increased revenues from e-commerce will enable them to enhance their physical storefront and continue providing affordable prices while expanding their free arts programming, fostering a greater appreciation for reading and other art forms within the community.