Almiserà Pharmacy in Valencia offers more than just medicine
Almiserà, a small town with a population of just 279 in the province of Valencia, is home to a unique pharmacy that goes beyond just offering medicines. Pharmacist Matilde Soler has taken it upon herself to provide not only physical health remedies but also a source of solace for the soul through books.
Soler, who has been running the pharmacy since 2005, decided to incorporate a bookstore into the establishment to bridge the gap in literary culture that she observed in the town. She believes in the healing power of reading and aims to ensure that customers leave the pharmacy in a better mood or state of health than when they entered.
Specializing in children’s literature in the local Valencian language, Soler hopes to encourage a love for reading among the young residents of Almiserà and surrounding areas. She also stocks books on local geography, wildlife, hiking routes, and gastronomy, catering to the interests of the community.
Recognizing the challenges faced by rural areas in maintaining essential services, Soler acknowledges the difficulties of starting a business from scratch in such a location. However, her dedication to providing a unique and valuable service to the neighborhood drives her to continue and inspire others to appreciate the benefits of a pharmacy-bookstore.
With a diverse selection of books that touch on important themes such as poetry, gender diversity, and coping with loss, Soler’s pharmacy in Almiserà serves as a beacon of culture and comfort in the heart of the town.