Librería Desperate Literature (Bookstore)

"Desperate Literature is a charming shop located somewhere between Opera and San Bernardo. New, used, and rare books line the shelves, and in a variety of languages too (French, Spanish, and English, predominantly). You can trade in a book for a new title, play a game of chess, listen to a poetry reading, or just stop in to say hello. If you’re a writer, you may even want to enter their annual literature prize for short stories, which is often judged by some literary powerhouses (including, for many years, Otessa Moshfegh). Make sure to say hello to Terry! The spectacled owner of this lovely shop can be seen from time to time, either behind the register or buzzing about during one of DL’s various evening events. He’d likely love to hear a line from your favourite poem as well."

"Incredible English bookstore closer to Malasaña. Differently curated selection of titles than Secret Kingdoms, but amazing in its own way. Very cool communicative owners as well, and plenty of events that go on in store to take part in. "