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Rueben Martinez

Book Store owner and presidential fellow at Chapman University

Rueben Martinez is an American activist, businessman, and book store owner who transformed his barbershop into Libreria Martinez Books and Art Gallery in Santa Ana, California. He is a prominent figure in promoting literacy among Hispanic-Americans and Spanish-speaking immigrants.12

Professional Background

Martinez has been a professional barber and entrepreneur for over forty years. In 1993, he founded Libreria Martinez Books and Art Gallery, which began as a small business operating out of his barbershop.1 By 1999, the bookstore had expanded to its own location, and in 2001, he launched a venue dedicated to children's literature.1

Academic and Professional Achievements

  • Presidential Fellow at Chapman University35
  • Founding member of Santa Ana's Reading City Committee
  • Co-founder of the Latino Book Festival1
  • Received the LA Times Festival of Books 2016 Innovator Award46

Martinez is recognized for elevating bookselling from a business to a campaign supporting underserved populations, particularly in the Hispanic community. His bookstore is now among the largest commercial sellers of Spanish-language books in the country.1

Highlights

Oct 1 · macfound.org
Rueben Martínez - MacArthur Foundation
Apr 13 · latimes.com
Rueben Martinez, winner of the Innovator's Award at the L.A. Times ...
Rueben Martinez, winner of the Innovator's Award at the L.A. Times ...
Apr 12 · news.chapman.edu
Presidential Fellow Ruebén Martinez wins LA Times Innovator's Award
Presidential Fellow Ruebén Martinez wins LA Times Innovator's Award
Oct 29 · blogs.chapman.edu
Bookseller, Barber and 'Genius' Rueben Martinez Finds New Partner
Bookseller, Barber and 'Genius' Rueben Martinez Finds New Partner
Nov 15 · news.chapman.edu
The genius that is Rueben Martinez | Chapman Newsroom

Related Questions

How did Rueben Martinez transition from being a barber to a bookstore owner?
What impact has Libreria Martinez had on the Santa Ana community?
How did Rueben Martinez's bookstore become a cultural institution in Orange County?
What are some notable events or initiatives organized by Libreria Martinez?
How did Rueben Martinez's work influence the Latino Book Festival?
Rueben Martinez
Rueben Martinez, photo 1
Rueben Martinez, photo 2
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Location

Santa Ana, California