“Dedicating oneself to the world of books is a vocation of service to society. My role has been to guide because the art of selling texts requires knowing what kind of literature each reader is looking for”. This is how Sandra Álvarez Ramos sums up her arrival to the profession, back in 2000 when she joined -from “Amancio”- the network of institutions belonging to the Provincial Center of Books and Literature.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- She previously worked in other sectors and has a degree in Sociocultural Studies. But today, when she thinks of the Fair as a festival of letters, she could wear the face of her emotion. “Some come to acquire a title and, if they don't find it, it is up to us to propose others, to comment on the content... We must prepare ourselves. A good reading takes you wherever the imagination allows; it is company, and it gives freshness to the mind. It is never too late to acquire this hobby. And, whenever I have the opportunity, I suggest going to the bookstores.”

“Among the most requested topics these days, and in general, are those that make it easier for people to deal with a certain situation: caring for the elderly, eliminating an addiction... but, first and foremost, children's books. Every year there is a demand for The Golden Age, Once upon a time, The Little Prince, among many others of this genre.”

The experience of participating in each edition of the cultural event invites Sandra to compare. “I have particularly enjoyed this time the boom of writers from Las Tunas, mostly young; the prizes won, the recognition in La Cabaña, how the public asks for their titles...”

“Although we have not been able to please all tastes, there are results. We have interesting re-editions, with more quality, of classics and other volumes. Children's literature, for example, has arrived with colorful formats, larger print, and illustrations. It is a novelty. We do not measure the quality of the event by the number of people attending because those who come to the points of sale are focused on buying books. Many students have attended. A part of society is interested in literature.”

“This profession allows me to interact with people of different ages and backgrounds, and I value this exchange. I am happy as a bookseller, a promoter of literature, no matter the word. I enjoy my work, and I am proud of it.”