A HISTORIC bookshop in northern Spain has been saved from imminent closure after a wave of public support raised thousands of euros in just two weeks.
Spain’s oldest bookshop, Hijos de Santiago Rodriguez, located in Burgos, raised over €60,000 in just 13 days after starting a fundraising campaign to avoid bankruptcy.
The Burgos institution is widely recognised as the oldest bookshop in Spain with 176 years of history.
Santiago Rodriguez Alonso founded the store in 1850, and his descendant Lucia Alonso still runs it today.
The business entered pre-bankruptcy proceedings amid financial strain that threatened its future and the jobs it supports.
Sixth-generation bookseller Alonso launched a crowdfunding appeal at the beginning of May amid mounting debts.
She shared a video online explaining the urgency of the situation and called on readers to help preserve the landmark cultural business.
What followed was an outpouring of solidarity from across Spain.
Customers, writers, and book lovers rallied behind the campaign to amplify the message.
Prominent literary figures including Juan Gomez-Jurado, Maximo Huerta, and Cesar Perez Gellida helped spread the word.
Readers didn’t just donate, but bought books directly from the store or through its website.
“It’s been amazing, the response from Burgos has been fantastic; what excites me most is that people are coming to the bookstore and I can finally put a face to the name”, Alonso said.
She noted that many supporters visited the shop in person to share memories and personal stories connected to the bookshop.
By Wednesday afternoon, the campaign reached the €60,000 target, effectively securing the store’s short-term financial stability.
READ MORE: Thief pinched hundreds of books from libraries in Spain’s Valencia for online resale
The store will use the funds to cover urgent debts, pay rent on its premises on Avellanos Street and safeguard employee salaries. It gives the business room to restructure.
Alonso confirmed they may now conclude the crowdfunding effort earlier than planned.
While the future ownership structure may change, Alonso has stressed that its identity will remain intact.
“With this support, my plan is to hold on to ensure continuity and the preservation of jobs.”
The response has reinforced the cultural significance of the shop in Burgos and beyond.
For many supporters, the campaign became about protecting a living piece of literary heritage in Spain.
Alonso said the experience highlighted the deep emotional bond between readers and their local bookshops.
Click here to read more La Cultura News from The Olive Press.
