A city that lives and breathes books

Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city, is the ideal setting for FIL. Its rich history and vibrant cultural life give the fair a backdrop as dynamic as the event itself. Walking into Expo Guadalajara, the energy was contagious. In 2024, the fair welcomed over 907,000 visitors from 64 countries, representing more than 2,700 publishing houses. For a newcomer, the sheer scope and diversity were awe-inspiring.

Young readers and literary fandom

One of the most uplifting surprises was the enthusiasm of young readers. Busloads of students explored the halls with genuine curiosity. Booksellers proudly noted the growing reading culture among teens, especially young women devoted to Spanish author Alice Kellen, whose romantic novels generated long signing lines and palpable excitement. Witnessing this passion felt like a glimpse into a hopeful literary future.
 

Professional programming and intellectual exchanges

The fair is not only about bookselling—it's also a hub for professional dialogue. At the San Jerónimo Translation and Interpretation Congress, I attended a keynote by veteran translator Pablo Mugüerza. He reflected on the limitations of AI in specialized translation, reminding us of the irreplaceable value of human expertise. Another highlight was the Coloquio de Bibliotecarios, where discussions focused on academic and professional practices, underscoring FIL's role as a meeting ground for scholars and practitioners.

Treasures for collections

For collection development, FIL is a paradise. Beyond connecting with vendors like Books from Mexico, I discovered treasures for KU's holdings:
- La Cartonera (Cuernavaca) – artisanal chapbooks with hand-painted cardboard covers, each a cultural artifact.
- Taller Gráfica de Comala (Comala, Colima) – a letterpress and engraving workshop producing exquisite handmade books since 1984, which they describe as a “love letter” to the book itself.
- Local NGOs and the State of Jalisco Press – distributing books free of charge, a reminder that cultural access can be democratized in unexpected ways.

Beyond these unique finds, FIL draws booksellers from across the world, each parading oodles, gazillions, and quite literally millions of books —an avalanche of paper and ink that no librarian's suitcase (or budget) is ever truly prepared for.
 

Spain as Guest of Honor

Spain's presence under the theme “Camino de ida y vuelta” (“Round-Trip Journey”) celebrated the shared cultural heritage of Spanish-speaking countries. With author talks, art exhibitions, and performances, Spain's participation underscored the interconnectedness of our literary worlds.
 

Why librarians should go

Attending FIL offered me a rare vantage point on the global publishing landscape. It was an unparalleled chance to engage with publishers, translators, NGOs, and independent presses. For librarians, it's not only about acquiring books but also about understanding currents shaping reading, scholarship, and cultural exchange.

FIL Guadalajara is more than a book fair; it is a universe of stories, a hub for professional growth, and a celebration of cultural diversity. For those in SALALM, it's an invaluable bridge to the literary treasures of the world.

Thank you for the opportunity to share these reflections. I hope they inspire others to experience this remarkable event.

Milton Machuca-Gálvez
Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies Librarian
University of Kansas