LOS ANGELES – Angelenos are probably aware of how food trucks have transformed the culinary landscape of Los Angeles, but what about a book truck?

That's the idea behind the Alegria Mobile Bookstore, which travels to under-served neighborhoods bringing Latinx authors and books directly into communities. 

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“There is a new generation of Latinx authors here in Los Angeles that we wanted to highlight and promote,” explained Alegria’s Davina Ferreira.

Ferreira says “alegria” means “joy” in Spanish, and it captures the spirit of the Alegria media company which has a mission to tell the stories of the modern Latinx community. Many believe that books are falling out of favor due to digital platforms and a multitude of streaming options, but Ferreira says there is still an audience out there. 

“I'm so happy to report that people actually do love books and we are all craving just one-on-one, interaction and connection,” Ferreira said from the colorful Alegria book van parked at a local community college in South L.A. 

“We all want a break from the phone and books are actually still very important, even for kids,” said Ferreira.

According to the Pew Research Center, the number of parents who teach the Spanish language to their children declines as their immigrant connections become more and more distant. Ferreira said that's why you'll find many children's books at the mobile bookstore that are bilingual. 

In some circles, teaching Spanish “was actually kind of like frowned upon,” said Ferreira. “But right now there is this new wave of pride really about your heritage and where you come from. [Kids] want to learn more. So, when I talked to them, some of them are like, ‘Don't criticize me. I don't speak Spanish,’ and, I'm like, ‘No, no, I understand that.’ But I'm so happy that this is shifting.” 

Ferreira said the mobile bookstore van stocks books from classic authors like Márquez and Allende but also newer voices of local L.A. authors, and visitors are encouraged to leave their own inspirational messages on small pieces of paper inside the truck for others to see.

Ferreira points to one of the messages that read, "Compartir siempre está de moda."

Explained Ferreira, “That means, Sharing is always in fashion.”

Check the Alegria website and their social media feeds to see if the mobile bookstore will be stopping next in your neighborhood.