Dilatando Mentes: A Cultural Hub in Ondara Fostering Reading

The bookstore and publishing house in Marina Alta celebrates five years as a meeting point and promoter of literature, with a specialized offer and constant activities.

Generic image of a library interior with wooden bookshelves and a cozy atmosphere.
IA

Generic image of a library interior with wooden bookshelves and a cozy atmosphere.

The Dilatando Mentes bookstore and publishing house, located in Ondara, celebrates its fifth anniversary, establishing itself as a key cultural space in Marina Alta, offering a specialized literary selection and a wide agenda of activities.

This family project, which opened its doors almost five years ago, has become a meeting point for book lovers. Beyond being a mere point of sale, Dilatando Mentes has transformed into a cultural nexus that promotes reading and citizen participation in literature.
The bookstore stands out for its unique atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy a coffee among shelves full of books, comics, and stationery. Additionally, it has an area dedicated to board games and a space for meetings, workshops, and presentations, thus fostering interaction and literary debate.

"We want to transmit our passion for literature."

a spokesperson for the bookstore
The initiative was born from the founders' passion for literature, who decided to dedicate themselves exclusively to the world of books after a decade of evolution. The pandemic was a decisive boost, as the publishing house's sales doubled, encouraging them to open the physical bookstore in a family home, without the pressure of rent, allowing them to bet on works they truly love.
Dilatando Mentes organizes activities every Friday and Saturday, including reading clubs for adults, young people, comics, manga, and board games. They also conduct school visits, book presentations, and collaborate with high schools to bring literature to classrooms in an innovative way. The bookstore is also a supplier to several libraries in the region, such as those in Gata, Dénia, El Ràfol, Beniarbeig, and Ondara itself.
The key to its success lies in its specialization and personalized service. They do not seek to sell commercial books, but rather special and different works, with advice based on trust. The publishing house, for its part, publishes three books a month and distributes them throughout Spain, South America, and the United States, with an artisanal process that includes translation, proofreading, and original illustrations.

"People don't read because they haven't found the right book."

a spokesperson for the bookstore
The bookstore focuses on genres such as horror and weird literature, as well as a nomadic thought section, seeking books that broaden the mind and have a lasting impact. Book Day and Christmas are the busiest times, but the bookstore maintains a loyal and diverse clientele, including seasonal visitors and people who value its commitment to culture.