The Municipal Public Library of Quintanar de la Orden recently hosted two cultural events in celebration of Libraries Day. On 22 October, the library welcomed the presentation of the book Viaje a la Mancha. En busca de una nueva Dulcinea by author Pascual Izquierdo, followed by a children's storytelling and creative workshop titled Teclas Sueltas Cuenta Cuentos: El molino de viento, led by Almudena Manzanero on 24 October.
The book presentation was attended by the Councillor for Culture, M.ª Carmen Vallejo. Published in March 2026, the book explores various locations in La Mancha associated with Miguel de Cervantes and the world of Don Quijote de la Mancha, based on the author’s cycling trips in 1999 with friends known as the 'Caballeros del Pedal'. During the event, Izquierdo discussed how the journey intertwines literature, history, artistic heritage, gastronomy, and the landscapes of La Mancha, while also providing updates on the places visited. He reflected on Cervantes' universal impact and the search for a new Dulcinea as a symbol of an ideal that inspires dreams and hopes, while also offering a critical perspective on contemporary society and the influence of major technologies.
The children's activity, Teclas Sueltas Cuenta Cuentos: El molino de viento, was well-received by the young audience. This initiative combined storytelling with creative and participatory activities, providing children with an entertaining and enriching experience to enjoy literature in a different way, unleash their imagination, and develop their creativity through proposed crafts. The day was filled with fun for attendees, aimed at fostering a love for reading from an early age and making books accessible to younger audiences in a dynamic, engaging, and participatory manner.
This initiative was part of the commemoration of Libraries Day, celebrated annually on 24 October, a date that highlights the importance of these cultural and educational spaces, which are essential for access to knowledge, the promotion of reading, and bringing together people of all ages.
