Andrés Trapiello Reflects on the Excess of Books and the Future of Libraries
Andrés Trapiello is one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Spanish literature. Born in León in 1953, he has dedicated his life to the written word as a poet, novelist, essayist, and editor. Recently, Trapiello shared his reflections on his relationship with books and the current state of personal and public libraries.
During an interview, the author stated that the primary problem facing libraries today is what he calls "bulimia." By this, Trapiello refers to the excessive accumulation of books. According to the writer, many people buy or collect books compulsively, yet they do not always have the time or the genuine intention to read them all.
Trapiello defines himself as a craftsman of words. For him, reading is not merely a pastime but an essential part of his craft and daily life. As a voracious reader of literary tradition, he believes that a good library should not be measured simply by the number of volumes on its shelves.
For the author, what matters most is the quality of the relationship the reader establishes with each work. In his view, the surplus of information and publications can make it difficult for readers to find books that truly transform them. Consequently, he advocates for a slower, more selective approach to reading.
In conclusion, Andrés Trapiello's words invite a profound reflection on our culture of literary consumption. In a world where it seems that more is always better, the author reminds us that the personal connection to literature is what truly matters. His vision encourages us to place higher value on what we read and to curate our libraries with greater purpose and dedication.