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April 2023 by gabe s.
The best bookstore on the Eastside! Great selection, expertly curated, immaculate vibes.
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April 2023 by Luis Arreola
I love this place! They have a wide selection of books and zines in Spanish and English. Viva (the owner) has created a unique and safe space for poets and artists to showcase their work. She’s truly a role model.
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April 2023 by olga garcia
I love this bookstore so much not just for the amazing books (lots of rare finds and excellent libros en español) but also because of the way community is regularly uplifted and given space to poet, dialogue, showcase art, do workshops, and/or just hang out. The owner, Viva Padilla, has vision and heart and todo mi respeto! Thank you Viva for all you do. Esta profesora te aprecia.
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April 2023 by Jeremie Feliciano
Steals from artists and artisans. Doesn't pay negotiated work or materials. Then has a henchman try to handle people. What a thug.
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April 2023 by Lou Cornum
Books you won’t find anywhere else and a very welcoming atmosphere.
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October 2022 by Natalie Benitez
The ambiance in this book store is serene, walking in you feel peaceful vibe. I asked the owner; Ana for suggestions on a Spanish read, I sat and read through some of the books while sipping on black coffee, definitely a must see spot. I'll be coming back for the release of the Magazine and for that bomb coffee.
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October 2022 by elizabeth Preger
This store is incredible, they put on community events, exhibitions, host open mic nights and celebrate the community. Every time I walk in it's a soothing escape into an oasis, a place to read, recharge and engage. Thank you for keeping the store open and going! Highly recommend stopping by and picking up some books.
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October 2022 by Alejandro Diaz
Great community bookstore. I have attended many of their events and I always feel at home.
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October 2022 by Liliana Melissa
(Translated by Google) ?Community Alert: Community Alert?The person who runs this bookstore is Anna Ureña (also known as “Viva Padilla”) and she falsely accused a community member of ugly lies because he refused to continue doing free “stipulated” work for her.First off, she claims to be grassroots, but this is a non-profit business - relying on government grants or wealthy people's foundations. Now she is using this scholarship money to demonize the working-class creative people around her who are unwilling to allow her ugly behavior.She is NOT welcome in the South Central anymore, so I hope she keeps our name out of her mouth. Please do not support this person.I am attaching screenshots of another staff member who left the business in protest of the way he decided to attack our friend.This caused my family so much stress that we are seeking legal support. Connect with us if you would like to file a joint case.Thank you,The person who runs this bookstore is Anna Ureña (aka “Viva Padilla”) and she falsely accused a community member of ugly lies because he refused to do free “stipened” labor for her further.First of all, she fronts being grassroots but this business is a non-profit. She is now using grant money to slander and demonize creative working class people around her who are unwilling to enable her ugly behavior.She is NOT welcomed in South Central anymore so I hope she keeps our name out of her mouth. Please do not support this person.I am attaching screenshots of another staff who left the business in protest of the way she decided to attack our friend.This caused my family so much stress that we are pursuing legal support. Please connect with us if you would like to file a joint case.Best,(Original)?Community Alert: Alerta Comunitaria?La persona que dirige esta librería es Anna Ureña (también conocida como “Viva Padilla”) y acusó falsamente a un miembro de la comunidad de mentiras feas porque el se negó a seguir haciendo trabajo gratuito “estipendado” para ella.En primer lugar, ella pretende ser de base, pero este es un negocio “non-profit”/ sin fines de lucro - que dependen de becas del gobierno o fundaciones de personas ricas. Ahora está usando este dinero de becas para demonizar a las personas creativas de la clase trabajadora que la rodean y que no están dispuestas a permitir su feo comportamiento.Ya NO es bienvenida en el Sur Centro, así que espero que mantenga nuestro nombre fuera de su boca. Por favor, no apoyen a esta persona.Adjunto capturas de pantalla de otro miembro del personal que abandonó el negocio en protesta por la forma en que decidió atacar a nuestro amigo.Esto causó tanto estrés a mi familia que estamos buscando apoyo legal. Conéctese con nosotros si desea presentar un caso conjunto.Gracías,The person who runs this bookstore is Anna Ureña (aka “Viva Padilla”) and she falsely accused a community member of ugly lies because he refused to do free “stipened” labor for her further.First of all, she fronts being grassroots but this business is a non-profit. She is now using grant money to slander and demonize creative working class people around her who are unwilling to enable her ugly behavior.She is NOT welcomed in South Central anymore so I hope she keeps our name out of her mouth. Please do not support this person.I am attaching screenshots of another staff who left the business in protest of the way she decided to attack our friend.This caused my family so much stress that we are pursuing legal support. Please connect with us if you would like to file a joint case.Best,
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July 2022 by Giselle Boustani-Fontenele
Came here for a Wednesday workshop with Matt Sedillo and it was amazing. He really knows his stuff as a poet. We talked about structure and read our poems to him and he gave recommendations on how to strengthen our poems. Definitely recommend his workshops.Re/Arte is a homey, intimate space with a really cool collection of books.
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March 2022 by G G.
This place is a gem and needs to be supported. I am a local resident and I truly value what they offer. Affordable books, vinyl records, current events, showcasing local talent. Interesting events. What is not to love? I hope they stay for a very long time.
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August 2021 by Anabel M.
Welcome to Boyle Heights Re/Arte!!!I saw a flyer online for a reading taking place at Re/Arte Centro Literario and decided to check it out since I haven't attended a live event like this in a while. They are doing a hybrid model for their events. Folks are able to join via zoom or go in person. The event was interesting and I really enjoyed it and hope to come to more events in the future. I believe this Centro has the potential to grow into something great for the community where local writers/artists can have events showcasing their talent. I love that there is already a writers workshop happening every Wednesday with Matt Sedillo. I look forward to being able to go to one of the workshops in the future. I didn't have a chance to take any pictures of the space but if you go on their Instagram they have tons on it.Good luck Re/Arte! I'm really looking forward to seeing you grow and thrive!
