The Government of Castilla-La Mancha has highlighted the significant work carried out by cultural associations and reading clubs in fostering interest in books, encouraging the exchange of ideas, and bringing literature to people of all ages. This was stated by the Minister of Education, Culture and Sports, Amador Pastor, during the XXXV edition of the Glauka Awards, organised by the Amigas de la Lectura association in Cuenca, which this year honours the career of singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat.
Amador Pastor congratulated the members of the association for their 35 years of dedication to culture and for making these awards a key event in the literary world. He emphasised that “the true value of Amigas de la Lectura lies in their ability to transform something as personal as reading into a shared experience, capable of generating conversations, meetings, and connections among people.”
The minister also acknowledged the role of reading clubs and public libraries, with a special mention of the Fermín Caballero Public Library in Cuenca, closely linked to the founding of the association. “A library is not measured solely by the books it holds, but also by the conversations it provokes and the people it brings together around culture,” he stated.
During his speech, Amador Pastor dedicated special words to Joan Manuel Serrat, highlighting his ability to blend music, poetry, and emotions throughout an artistic career that has resonated with various generations. “Serrat has achieved something extraordinary: millions have discovered and learned to love the verses of Antonio Machado and Miguel Hernández through his songs. He has also created his own poetry that speaks of love, childhood, freedom, and the passage of time,” he noted.
The Minister added that “his songs are part of our own biographies, as we all have one that takes us back to a person, a place, or an important moment in our lives.” He also acknowledged the presence of other notable literary figures at this edition, such as Luis Landero, Glauka Award winner 2025; Irene Vallejo, awarded in 2021; and Olga Lucas, a writer and companion of José Luis Sampedro, who received this recognition in 2010.
Amador Pastor also recalled the special connection of José Luis Sampedro with these awards and the extensive list of personalities recognised over the 35 editions, including Rosa Montero, Josefina Aldecoa, Soledad Puértolas, Carmen Posadas, Lorenzo Silva, and José Luis Perales.
Finally, the Minister expressed gratitude to the Amigas de la Lectura for their commitment, highlighting that these awards recognise both those who create works and those who help them reach readers. He concluded by stating that “culture remains alive when there are people willing to listen, read, and share. This is precisely the value of these awards and the legacy that Amigas de la Lectura have built over these 35 years.”
