Libros Schmibros is a Los Angeles lending library & used bookshop located in the once majority-Jewish, now majority-Latino neighborhood of Boyle Heights. Hatched by former NEA literature director and San Francisco Chronicle book critic David Kipen, Libros Schmibros is dedicated to bringing together writers, scholars, readers, and neighbors from across a large segment of Los Angeles–from Pasadena to the sea–for the exploration of literature and the study, questioning, celebration, and betterment of Southern California. Founded on July 19, 2010–the day LA Public Library branches both two blocks away and citywide relinquished all Monday hours for the first and, thankfully, last time in their history–Libros Schmibros lends books free of charge to all comers. Should patrons want to keep a book, visitors are asked to make a donation ranging from $1 to half the cover price of the book. In a storied neighborhood with good new public transit but not enough books, Libros Schmibros offers low- or no-cost literature and literary events to Latinos, Jews, and everybody else east of the ocean.
