Bilingual bookstore in Brooklyn offers books in English and Spanish

BUSHWICK, Brooklyn (PIX11) — A bilingual bookstore in Bushwick, Brooklyn is making a difference in the community.

Mil Mundos features books in English and Spanish. The bookstore near Irving Avenue and Linden Street is open seven days a week.

“We curate to celebrate Black, Latinx and Indigenous heritage, and we try to operate through that lens,” founder Maria Herron said.

Originally from Westchester, she has lived in Brooklyn for two decades. Along with a few others, the Cuban American opened the space in 2019.

“I found myself in this really Latin neighborhood not really sure where to be Latin. So for me, I wanted to create a third space where you were not inherently obligated to spend money. Where you could browse and explore,” Herron said.

The bookstore turned into a co-op over time and is run by a team of 25 people today.

“As people got to know the idea and the space, they liked the idea of having a bookstore that was for them that was full of their voices,” Herron said.

Mil Mundos also has a sister nonprofit. That organization delivers essential goods to the community a few times a week.

“Because we’re open during regular hours, we can accept donations to go the community anytime we’re open,” Herron said. “Clothing, food, kitchenware, diapers.”

Sonia Castrejon, a well-known tailor, also works out of the space.

For sisters Nubia and Lauren Marin, who grew up in Bushwick, the bookstore gives them a place to connect with their Hispanic heritage. They plan to bring their mother.

“For my mom who only speaks Spanish, I was always looking online for Spanish books, but I couldn’t find the translation, so here she might enjoy getting some books,” Nubia Marin said.

Herron hopes people of all backgrounds will visit.

“We curate in the spirit of curriculum and in the spirit of learning,” Herron said. “Space where people can explore. Kids, all ages, all reading levels, creative directions or different topics.”

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