About Us

The bookstore Libreria Barco de Papel, whose name means paper boat, is a small Spanish-language bookstore with a prolonged history amassing precious cultural memories. The bookstore opened its doors to the public in 2003. Today it stands as the last Spanish-language bookstore left in New York City. Its varied catalog includes new and used books from all types of genres and time periods. Its welcoming vibe has served as a meeting place for writers, artists and readers which have turned it into more than a meeting hub – a cultural hotspot and literary pilgrimage site. 

This small bookstore has been part of New York City’s latest cultural rise. Since its early days it has supported numerous new voices in the city as well as established authors. The bookstore regularly hosts book readings, art exhibits, poetry recitals, and community activities that promote interracial and cross-cultural reflection and dialogue through art and literature in our community. 

Centro Cultural Barco de Papel, Inc’s mission is to strengthen the identity of the Latino community in New York City through increased cultural and artistic activities, with an emphasis on literature.  Centro Cultural Barco de Papel was founded to celebrate and educate the Latino community and Latino authors, focusing on developing strong literacy programs and skills within the Latino community in Elmhurst. Queens.  Embracing the multiple forms of expression that poetry readings, open-mic nights and workshops creates opportunities to help reinforce the importance of literacy within the larger community.  We work in conjunction with a variety of organizations, authors and institutions to promote the soul of Latin America culture.