When Carlos Ramos Rizo, a true man of culture, decided to make his personal library – his books – available to his fellow townspeople, he did so convinced it would nourish the general culture of this city, provincial host of national activities commemorating the Moncada anniversary.
From his privileged space in Martí Park – as the sole person authorised for commerce there – he spends each day alongside his son, placing literary texts (both common and rare treasures) into others’ hands.
Driven by this spiritual desire to help people access quality reading, he tells the Cuban News Agency: «Daily, I put Hemingway, García Márquez, Jules Verne, José Martí, Leo Tolstoy into readers’ hands – to name but a few authors. There’s high demand for Russian, Latin American, French, and American classics here.»
«I had a large home library and realised it served no purpose there. I began selling, then kept acquiring texts to share them affordably,» he explains.
«Today I have a large readers’ club – mostly young people, my main clients – who regularly visit. We hold literary quizzes, gift books to winners, and jointly promote reading,» notes Carlos, whose cultural roots trace back to his training as an Avilanian theatre artist. He observes his city’s transformation ahead of 26 July.
«I’m delighted by the renovation of the Teatro Principal – deeply meaningful to me and fellow citizens. This near-derelict institution deserves rescue and revival.»
«And we’re all happy about the boulevard rehabilitation – a space created for Avilanians that social indiscipline was rapidly degrading. Fortunately, it will breathe again.»
As he discusses preparations across provincial venues for the anniversary of the assaults on Moncada (Santiago) and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (Bayamo) barracks, customers arrive seeking diverse texts. He assists them, recommends works, and reviews publications.
He embodies the urban renewal atmosphere – the bustling activity enhancing public spaces, service centres, and creating new options for residents, including arts-related initiatives.
«Society is saved if culture lives. While it breathes, I’ll be here – over seventy years old – collaborating. I know I’m providing essential good to others: my modest contribution to a deserved and necessary 26 July.»
