The courtyard of the Herencia Town Hall hosted the presentation and book distribution event for a new edition of Quijote Inmortal last Thursday. This social literary experience continues to expand in participation and reach. Launched in Herencia, the initiative brings together readers of all ages around the finalist books of this unique contest, turning shared reading into a cultural meeting point.
During the presentation, Aitor Gallego, the councilor responsible for the Library, highlighted the increased participation compared to the first edition, with readers not only from Herencia but also from neighboring municipalities and places like Madrid, Salamanca, and Navarre. The project now boasts 201 members in its jury, a number that confirms the warm reception of this initiative aimed at bringing literature closer to the community through a participatory format.
A Reader Jury Aged 19 to 84
One of the most striking aspects of Quijote Inmortal is the diversity of its jury. In this edition, participants range in age from 19, the youngest member, to 84, the oldest reader. This generational breadth allows for a shared literary experience to be viewed through very different lenses, with varying backgrounds, tastes, and reading styles.
The distribution of the finalist books marked one of the central moments of the event. From now on, jury members will begin reading the selected works with the goal of assessing and actively participating in the development of the contest. This initiative positions readers as an essential part of the process, moving away from a passive view of culture and giving prominence to those who approach books out of curiosity, reading habits, or the desire to share an experience.
The town hall courtyard was filled with readers on an afternoon dedicated to presenting the new edition’s highlights and strengthening the community character of the project. The scene embodies the spirit of Quijote Inmortal: people of varying ages and backgrounds gathered around literature, with books serving as the starting point for conversations, discovering new authors, and keeping the reading culture alive in the municipality.
A Project that Transcends Generations and Borders
The presence of participants from other municipalities and distant locations indicates that Quijote Inmortal is beginning to evolve beyond its local origins. Herencia now stands as a point of reference for a cultural activity that combines reading, participation, and social connections.
This growth is particularly significant at a time when many institutions are seeking ways to promote reading among diverse audiences. This project doesn’t target a single age group or a narrow profile of readers. Instead, it brings together young people, adults, and seniors in the same dynamic, enriching the experience and making it more inclusive.
Shared reading also carries substantial social value. Reading a book individually can be an intimate act, but participating in a reader jury adds conversation, anticipation, and a collective sense. Everyone contributes their interpretations and sensitivities, helping to build a community around books.
Quijote Inmortal demonstrates once again that the passion for reading knows no generations or borders. The project’s consolidation reinforces the role of the Library and the Herencia Town Hall in cultural promotion while offering readers a chance to actively engage in a shared literary experience.
The new edition kicks off with increased participation, greater diversity, and the challenge of continuing to grow without losing its essence: bringing books closer to people and making reading a vibrant, approachable, and open experience.
Spanish post in Quijote Inmortal reúne ya a 201 lectores en Herencia
