Meista
Our History
Libreria Carletes opened its doors in 1987 on Calle Libreros in Salamanca, a street dedicated to the book trade for centuries. Carlos Martin, a young graduate in Hispanic Philology from the University of Salamanca, decided his life would be among books.
What began as a small 40-square-metre shop has grown into one of the city's cultural landmarks. Today we occupy three floors with more than 15,000 titles in our catalog, an event hall for book launches and workshops, and a cozy children's corner designed for the youngest readers.
The name "Carletes" is the affectionate nickname Carlos's university friends gave him. It started as a joke and ended up on the shop sign. That's how we are: approachable, informal and passionate.
Bookshop facade on Calle Libreros
Our Values
Passion for Reading
We are not a book warehouse. Every title on our shelves has passed through our hands. We read, recommend and get excited about every book we sell.
Personal Touch
We know our customers by name and by taste. We know what to recommend because we have been listening for years. The bookshop is a meeting place.
Local Commitment
We are part of Salamanca. We collaborate with the university, local schools, local authors and other independent bookshops. We believe in local commerce.
The Team
The people who make Carletes possible every day
Carlos Martin
Founder and bookseller
38 years behind the counter. Specialist in Spanish narrative and Latin American literature. Able to recommend the perfect book in under three questions.
Lucia Hernandez
Bookseller — Children's
Education graduate and passionate about children's literature. She has been curating our children's section and organizing Saturday storytime for 12 years.
Marcos Iglesias
Bookseller — Comics & Essay
Art historian turned bookseller. His comic and graphic novel section is one of the best-stocked in Castilla y Leon.
Ana Belen Torres
Events & Communication
Cultural journalist. She manages event programming, social media and making sure everyone knows what's happening at Carletes.