LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

 After closing the doors to Laredo’s only bookstore almost one year ago, former manager Mary Benavides has been on a quest to bring back not only the bookstore, but also, the experience, knowledge and relationships she had developed with her customers as they bonded over books and stories.  She has accomplished that with the temporary location of Laredo Books & More, Laredo’s only new book bookstore. 

“I have been passionate about and committed to helping literacy in my Laredo community,” says Benavides, who, with over 30 years of experience in the book industry, is as knowledgeable as they come when it comes to books.  “I love working with local teachers, librarians, or students to find the books they need for class projects.  I enjoy finding books that I think customers will enjoy.  Plus, I plan to host authors here, book discussions, art festivals or other events to enhance the literacy experience.  By cultivating and enriching every mind with books, our dreams take flight.  It’s about books, and so much more!” she concluded.

According to City Manager Carlos Villarreal, the temporary location of the bookstore inside the Laredo Public Library is important to the Laredo community because it provides a service that is lacking in our community, a service that is for the greater good of all Laredoans. 

“Laredo will not be the largest city in America without a bookstore.  When you walk into a bookstore, you need to know that the person who is helping you knows about authors, book genres, children’s books, as well as the community of Laredo.  Mary has been providing that to Laredo for over 30 years and will continue to do so. Additionally, by partnering with the Laredo Public Library to not only sell used books for the Friends of the Library, she can enhance all of the Library’s literacy activities; especially, the One City, One Book project and other such events,”