Doesn’t the name Biblioteca Pública Municipal Gloria Fuertes just roll off the tongue? This library stands as a tribute to the celebrated Spanish poet Gloria Fuertes. She was a remarkable woman. Her work championed gender equality pacifism and environmentalism.
The Biblioteca Pública Municipal Gloria Fuertes first opened its doors in October 2001. José María Álvarez del Manzano the mayor at the time attended the inauguration. Carmen Blanco Hernández designed the building. It houses a cultural center and the library itself.
From the library’s large windows you can see historical sights. The reconstructed castle of Los Zapata is visible. It is the only castle remaining in Madrid’s municipal area. Beyond that lies an extensive olive grove bordering Juan Carlos I Park.
Gloria Fuertes was born in Madrid in 1917. Her mother was a seamstress and maid. Her father worked as a beadle. Gloria began writing stories at just five years old. Her first poem was published at 14. Her first book of poetry Isla Ignorada came out in 1950.
Between 1940 and 1953 Gloria’s work appeared in magazines for kids. She also co-founded the group “Verses in Skirts” in 1951. This group performed poetry in bars and cafes. Gloria later taught Spanish literature in the United States.
Her poetry is known for its conversational style. She wrote about everyday life love and loss. Her poems often include metaphors and wordplay. This makes them musical and engaging.
Gloria Fuertes never hid her identity as a lesbian. Her work often addressed women’s rights. She questioned gender roles in Spain. One of her famous children’s books is “Three Wise Queens”. In the story the Three Wise Men are replaced by their wives.
Gloria Fuertes died in 1998 from lung cancer. She left her fortune to a Catholic orphanage. Google honored her with a Doodle on her 99th birthday in 2016.
The Biblioteca Pública Municipal Gloria Fuertes offers many services. These include book loans and public internet access. There is also a Wi-Fi zone. The library hosts reading events and user training.
The library is accessible to people with reduced mobility. It provides tools like magnifying glasses and screen readers. A magnetic induction loop is available for those with hearing aids.
The Biblioteca Pública Municipal Gloria Fuertes has a collection of over 43000 items. These include books DVDs and magazines. You can find it at Avenida Logroño 179. It is open Monday to Friday. The library’s website and social media pages provide more information. So come explore the literary world within the Biblioteca Pública Municipal Gloria Fuertes.