Libreria Martinez

As of February 2016, this little gem of a bookstore has forever closed it’s doors.

What’s not to like about this bi-​lingual (English/​Spanish) bookstore aimed at kids? In DTSA, amid all the great food and drinks places you are checking out, why not stop in here and pick-​up a gift for a kid in your life? Have a birthday present waiting for the right person or something to bribe your kid with when you really really want something done!
The store is very welcoming and comforting. There is original artwork everywhere, most of it for sale, that adds to the ambiance. There are books in both Spanish and English, and the staff is bilingual, so no need to wonder if you’ll feel out of place.
My daughter comes here about every other week after her piano lesson across the street. There are books about Frida Kahlo, Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, Harriet Tubman, and all the public figures she is learning about in Kinder. She loves books and reading, so how can I say no when she wants to go in an look for something? I can’t. Exactly.
There is a reading session every Saturday at 1 pm for kids that my daughter has been bugging me to attend.
This store was the brainchild of Ruben Martinez (a MacArthur genius grant recipient!), who is still involved, to bring books in Spanish to low-​income children. It is now supported by Chapman University in the current beautiful location on historic Broadway in Santa Ana.
Make it a point to at least poke your nose in here. This is a cultural experience worth supporting.

This use to be an amazing place that I use to look forward to going… now it’s gone to s**t! This place use to be full of quality books for everyone and now it has some ultra expensive quilts that are not amazing… and the sign outside says they have clothes and accessories? I didn’t see any clothes… and a small stash of wanna be jewelry by the cash register does not quality as jewelry by any stretch of the imagination. The workers are not friendly… no one greeted me when I walked in…3 female workers just stood around talking… it could have been 2 female workers talking to a customer but I think they were 3 because they were all behind the counter. I am so sad that the store I use to visit off Main Street is gone and has converted to the empty shell this new location is… so sad.

While independent bookstores are disappearing like crazy, this one, which has amazing service, is thoroughly involved in the community, has an amazing rags to riches story (or a barber that loves to read to riches story) is one of a kind. Books in English and Spanish that you probably have not seen elsewhere, plus book signings, poetry readings, kids books, greeting cards, and a beautiful spot to browse and shop.

When small bookstores are difficult to find today, this one is truly a gem. With INTERESTING books in both English and Spanish and an enthusiastic owner who truly welcomes you into his store, I would strongly encourage you to visit here. Many different kinds of books and magazines here, both new and used. Original art covers the walls… And there are often events for the whole community to take part in, including fantastic book signings! :) Check it out!

Great local library. The owner, Ruben Martinez is a great person who always helps you look for books.

Couldn’t agree more with the other reviewers so far. This is great little place with so much to discover. Thanks Reuben for helping us out!

A business that sprouted because one man, Mr. Reuben Martinez (a former barber) encouraged people to read.
Located on a main strip of Santa Ana, this bookstore houses classics and all things Latino. Most impressive of all is Mr. Martinez’s simple desire to encourage others to broaden their horizons paid off in ways he probably never imagined. After all, how many booksellers win a MacArthur Foundation genius grant?
The staff is friendly, polite and helpful.
The store is clean and organized.
They host book readings (i attended one this past sunday) and my personal favorite, they are a flagship for OC Weekly writer, Gustavo Arellano and his mad comedic style of writing which thus far has resulted in one book, «ask a mexican» which is basically just a compilation of his writings for the OC weekly.
Bravo Mr. Martinez!!!
For being so genuine and just trying to enrich the community!

Great local community bookstore. Books in both English and Spanish but not only do they have books on Latino culture, he also has other ethnic communities such as Asian American community. Rueben is really cool and down to earth too. They also have their children’s bookstore right next door. Vital asset to the community.