10 year-old Xander founded the Emerald Library™ to share his love of books with other kids. Donating the first 700 cherished books from his personal collection, his dream is to create a children's library in Puçol (Valencia) · Spain, where kids can read, discuss books, and borrow English-language titles. Xander's mission for the Emerald Library™ is to inspire the thrill of learning and experiencing new adventures through reading.
Since its founding in 2024, Emerald Library™ has grown into a literacy-focused community initiative serving families across Valencia’s international and bilingual community. What began with a personal collection of books has expanded into a growing library of more than 1,400 English-language children’s books, reading programs, youth engagement activities, and virtual conversations with internationally recognized authors.
Today, Emerald Library™ supports families, young readers, and international school communities throughout Valencia, creating opportunities for children to engage more deeply with reading, imagination, and lifelong learning.
In an increasingly digital world, Emerald Library™ was created to help children maintain a meaningful connection to books, curiosity, creativity, and the joy of reading.
Emerald Library™ continues to grow with a broader vision of creating a modern literary and learning hub that supports reading, curiosity, and community beyond the classroom.
Founder Q & A:
Why do you love books and reading?
The reason that I love books and reading is because I was
introduced by my parents at a very young age. I love it for the thrill of learning about and experiencing something
new. It’s always a pleasure finding new books to read.
What are your favorite fiction genres?
Fantasy and sci-fi.
Why did you want to start a library?
There are no libraries with English books for kids
in Valencia outside of schools, so I wanted to start a library and share my love of books and reading.
How did you come up with the name Emerald Library™?
I wanted to have something that
would inspire others to think of books as treasures and the first things that I thought of were gems. And then came
up with the Emerald Library™.
Join us to
support children in Valencia who love reading English-language books! The Emerald Library™ was recently founded in
2024 and operates online where you can join, browse, check out, and renew library books. Members receive
confirmation and the pickup address when their books are ready. Pickups and returns are done with us in Los
Monasterios, Puçol (Valencia).