**”Being a Bookseller is Beautiful, It’s a Satisfaction”: Miguel Márquez**
Miguel Márquez, a seasoned and passionate bookseller in Tijuana, celebrates a significant milestone – 15 years since establishing his renowned bookstore, “Libros, Café y Jazz.” As he also marks 55 years in the book trade, Márquez reflects on his journey and the enduring love he has for his vocation.
Nestled in a bustling section of downtown Tijuana, “Libros, Café y Jazz” is located on Niños Héroes Street, No. 733, between Third and Fourth Streets, just a short distance from the city’s cathedral. The bookstore welcomes visitors with four rooms filled with approximately 25,000 books, primarily second-hand. Its collection spans across various genres, including literature, art, philosophy, history, and the humanities.
Miguel Márquez San Juan, who founded the store in 2009, shares the story of his lifelong passion for books. Born on August 8, 1958, in Mexico City, Márquez discovered his love for books while studying at Telesecundaria in the 1970s. This passion continued through his time at Oriente High School and later at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
Over five decades ago, Márquez began selling books: “I started selling books more than 50 years ago,” he recalls. His journey started in Mexico City, continued through Veracruz, and eventually reached the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana. Here, Márquez sold books on buses, on sidewalks, and at various markets before finally opening his bookstore.
**The Journey of a Passionate Bookseller**
Márquez’s journey as a bookseller took him across various Mexican states, including Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche, and Quintana Roo, selling books in town squares and markets. In 1984, he brought his trade to Tijuana, selling books on buses amidst the city’s vibrant public transportation system.
In 1990, Miguel established his first bookstore in Tijuana, which had to close two years later due to logistical challenges. He tried again in 1995 on Mutualismo Street, but a significant rent increase forced its closure in 2005. Despite these setbacks, Márquez’s dedication never waned. He set up his current bookstore in 2009, and it has since become a cultural landmark in Tijuana.
“Libros, Café y Jazz” offers a diverse collection, with literature as its main specialty. However, it also stocks books on philosophy, psychology, law, administration, and art. Márquez believes in maintaining a well-rounded collection to meet the needs of all kinds of readers.
For Márquez, being a bookseller is not just an occupation but a way of life. “I discovered the bookselling trade at 12,” he says. “Being a bookseller is beautiful, it’s a satisfaction because it has shaped my life’s journey and my family’s livelihood.”
**Secondary Article: Vintage Bookstores Enrich Tijuana’s Cultural Landscape**
Tijuana’s cultural scene has recently seen renewed interest in vintage bookstores. As highlighted by Miguel Márquez, owner of “Libros, Café y Jazz,” these establishments are crucial in keeping the rich history of literature alive.
In May 2024, the Tijuana Book Fair, enriched with booths showcasing rare and vintage books, celebrated its continued contribution to the city’s cultural life. This came after the Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT) initially restricted, but later reinstated, the participation of used bookstores following public outcry and support for these cultural icons.
“We managed to get the bookstores included again because they are an essential part of our cultural heritage,” said Márquez. He noted that events like the book fair draw attention to the unique value of owning literary works that have passed through multiple hands, carrying with them a legacy of shared human experiences.
Moreover, the return of the Book Antiques and Occasions Fair in October 2022 further cemented the importance of vintage bookstores in the community. It offered a platform for collectors and casual readers alike to discover rare editions and appreciate the timeless relevance of literary classics.
The revitalized interest in vintage books, especially in Tijuana, underscores a broader cultural movement that values the preservation of literary history. As Márquez aptly puts it, “A place enriched with good material stands out as a cultural hub and a significant tourist attraction.”
For those looking to explore this fascinating world of literature, “Libros, Café y Jazz” stands as a testament to the enduring charm of vintage books and the dedicated booksellers who keep this tradition alive.