Tenerife Invests €25,000 in Library Upgrades and Cultural Programs

The Cabildo de Tenerife has unveiled a substantial investment exceeding €25,000, dedicated to the modernization of library services throughout the island. This funding is part of the broader Insular Library Plan, which aims to elevate library facilities to meet European quality standards, ensuring that they serve as vibrant cultural hubs for the community.

Transforming Libraries into Cultural Hubs

José Carlos Acha, the insular councillor for Culture, Museums, and Sports, emphasized that the primary objective of this initiative is to foster cultural activities and stimulate a love for reading within the Insular Network of Public Municipal Libraries. The plan encompasses a variety of cultural extension activities designed to make libraries more inviting and engaging for residents of all ages. By enhancing the library experience, the Cabildo aims to create spaces that not only provide access to books but also serve as community gathering points for cultural enrichment.

Exciting Workshops for All Age Groups

Among the innovative offerings scheduled for 2025 is a workshop titled “Secrets in the Wall, Hard-Boiled Conjurations,” led by the talented Laura Expósito. This creative workshop is tailored for children aged six and older, aiming to inspire poetic expression and the magic of words. The workshop will be hosted in 13 libraries across Tenerife, encouraging young minds to explore their creativity through literature.

Another noteworthy workshop, “From Watercolour to Notebook,” will be facilitated by Ana Amaia. This session is specifically designed for youth and adults aged 16 and above, focusing on teaching the watercolour technique through the artistic decoration of notebooks. Participants can look forward to this engaging experience in nine libraries throughout the island, where they will learn to express themselves artistically while honing their skills.

Fostering Creativity Through Writing and Art

The “Fanzine for Everyone” workshop, led by Lisa Giambra, invites participants aged 12 and older to embark on a creative journey where they will develop their own fanzines. This workshop will guide attendees from initial sketches to a polished final version, emphasizing the importance of color in their creations. It will be hosted in six libraries, providing a platform for young creators to share their unique voices.

In addition to these workshops, a creative writing session for children, facilitated by Elena Morales, will introduce participants aged 6 to 12 to the art of storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the book “Teguisamos Cuentos,” this workshop aims to enhance imagination and creativity, and will be available in 25 libraries across the island. By nurturing young writers, the initiative seeks to cultivate a new generation of storytellers.

Interactive Learning Experiences and Author Engagements

Another engaging activity, “Book Detectives,” led by Carlos Miranda, is designed as an educational scavenger hunt. This fun and interactive experience aims to familiarize young participants aged 8 to 13 with library resources and effective information retrieval methods. The activity will take place in nine libraries, making learning both enjoyable and informative.

The new literary series “Talking in Ink” is set to debut this year, featuring discussions with authors that promise to enrich the literary landscape of Tenerife. A notable session with acclaimed writer Espido Freire was held during the Santa Cruz Book Fair in May, generating excitement among literature enthusiasts. Upcoming events include a talk with Canary writer Alberto Omar Walls on September 25 at the Cultural Space Castillo de San Felipe in Puerto de la Cruz, further enhancing the connection between authors and their readers.

Looking Ahead: Literary Events and Community Engagement

The “Talking in Ink” series will culminate in 2025 with a highly anticipated discussion featuring writer and co-editor Pilar Adón alongside Enrique Redel, the director of the esteemed publishing house Impedimenta. While the exact date for this event is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to draw significant interest from the literary community.

In addition to these literary discussions, reading clubs will host author visits beginning in November, with the first guest being the renowned Canary writer Pablo Martín Carbajal. Earlier this year, the V Meeting of Reading Clubs in Tenerife featured writer and researcher Joaquín Rodríguez, highlighting the importance of author engagement in fostering a love for literature. The VI Meeting is scheduled for January 29, 2026, with the acclaimed writer and journalist Rosa Montero confirmed as a guest, promising to inspire and engage participants.

Key points

• The Cabildo de Tenerife is investing over €25,000 in library modernization.
• The Insular Library Plan aims to meet European quality standards.
• Workshops will cater to various age groups, promoting creativity and reading.
• Upcoming literary events include discussions with notable authors.
• Reading clubs will feature author visits starting in November.
• Activities will be held in multiple libraries across the island.