After an incredibly long run, one of New York City’s most beloved Spanish-language bookstores is closing its doors. Librería Lectorum, owned by book publisher Scholastic, is closing down after 47 years and moving to the more profitable(?) world of online book selling. Argentinian landlord Kenneth Gutierrez told the NY Daily News:

“People feel really strongly about the store - it’s a landmark for the community,” said Gutierrez, the son of Lectorum founder Argentinian Gerome Gutiérrez. “It’s a shame.”

But not enough of a shame to stop him from raising the rent! Lamenting the evils of gentrification, Teresa Mlawer, who oversees Lectorum for Scholastic, told the NY Daily News:

“Unfortunately, this part of the city is no longer a hub of Latino life […] We can reach them much more effectively through our Web site.”

Online book selling? These Latinos sure are ahead of the curve!

Last page for Hispanic bookstore on 14th St. [NY Daily News]
Image [Bebeto Matthews / AP]