Libros Schmibros Teams up with the Hammer
The Hammer Museum – Santa Monica, CA
Ongoing – 10/9/11

The Hammer Museum’s Public Engagement program will bring an artist project by David Kipen—an interpretation of Libros Schmibros, his hybrid lending library and used bookshop in Boyle Heights—to Westwood from August 27 to October 9, 2011. Libros Schmibros will be set up in the Hammer Museum’s lobby gallery. Kipen, former Director of Literature for the National Endowment of the Arts and a past book critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, established Libros Schmibros in July 2010 with his collection of roughly seven thousand books, in response to the lack of accessibility to books in his Boyle Heights community.

Libros Schmibros at the Hammer will increase Westwood’s access to books, while serving as a public square where visitors can check out, acquire, or donate books, and interact with Kipen, his team of volunteers, and other visitors. Authors will also serve as bookstore volunteers and give free readings in the intimate setting of the lobby gallery.

Please join us for the grand opening and book drive Saturday, August 27, 11am-7pm. Visitors will receive free admission with the donation of books from the following categories: books about Los Angeles or by LA authors, high school or college syllabus paperbacks, Spanish-language or Farsi-language books, and first editions or advance reading copies of all sorts. All visitors will be able to borrow books from Libros Schmibros for free. Westwood and Boyle Heights residents will share identical discounts at both locations and be able to acquire books for $1, while non-residents may pick-up books for half of the cover price.

Libros Schmibros at the Hammer will be an informal place for guests to linger and engage with others. The collection of available books will include a strong selection of literature and Californiana, and gradually will begin to mirror the Westwood community, as residents donate books. Libros Schmibros in Boyle Heights will remain open concurrently with Libros Schmibros at the Hammer.

Libros Schmibros at the Hammer Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11am-7pm; & Sunday, October 2, 11am-5pm & Sunday, October 9, 11am-5pm