Desperate Literature, the beloved international bookshop in Madrid, has announced a crowdfunding campaign to support its relocation and renovation efforts after it was kicked out of its current premises. The campaign seeks to raise at least €25,000 of the €80,000 required to transition into a new space, as the shop approaches its 10th anniversary.

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“WITH OUR TENTH BIRTHDAY JUST AROUND THE CORNER
DESPERATE LITERATURE IS BEING KICKED OUT OF CAMPOMANES 13 & WE NEED YOUR HELP TO COMPLETE THE TRANSITION TO OUR NEW SPACE,” the shop shared in an announcement.

The move was spurred by the sale of their current building at Calle Campomanes to an investment firm, which plans to convert the space into luxury tourist flats. This has forced Desperate Literature to search for a new location, leading them to secure a former family-run fruit and vegetable shop at Calle Cava Baja.

“After over a year and a half of work, we have secured a new home, but now need your help to renovate the space,” the bookshop explained. The renovation includes meeting 2024 building codes, adding a new air conditioning unit, updating the floors, and exposing the original 19th-century brick of the storefront.

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“Our aim is to create a permanent fixture in Madrid, respecting the aesthetic and culture of the area whilst bringing our own particular energy to the space,” they added.

The shop’s new location promises to expand their events space, create a separate room for meet-ups, double their shelf space, and even potentially add a slide between floors if funds allow. The ambitious plan also includes a beautiful mezzanine for browsing and readings, along with making reading nooks and a listening booth.

“We try to champion independent literary culture in Europe and hope you can support our efforts to keep the doors open,” the bookshop’s team expressed, as they double down on their commitment to the literary community in Madrid and beyond.

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Desperate Literature has been a staple in Madrid’s cultural scene since its inception in 2014, known for constructing its original space from reclaimed materials and building a community around books and shared experiences. This new chapter represents not just a physical move, but an opportunity to grow and adapt to the changing landscape of the city.

Supporters can contribute to the campaign and help ensure that this literary haven remains a vibrant part of Madrid’s cultural fabric.