Downtown’s Literary Treasure
by John Byrd

Cinco Puntos Press is proud to call El Paso its home. “Our relationship with this city is part of what drives our publishing,” says co-publisher Bobby Byrd. Cinco Puntos is one of the few presses in the country that publishes children’s books in a bilingual Spanish/English format. The press’ decision to begin publishing in the format wasn’t a formal one. Instead it was part of the organic process that drives much of their work. “When we started publishing Joe Hayes’ books, he was using a bilingual format,” says Lee Byrd, the other half of the editorial team. “And after La Llorona came out, we saw how naturally that book reflected El Paso. When you walk down the street, you hear a little English and you hear a little Spanish.”

Given their company’s strong ties to El Paso, the Byrds were dismayed when El Paso started getting national attention for being one of the least literate cities in the United States. The Byrds saw the important work being done to promote literacy by the public library, Gem’s Gems and the school systems and decided to do what they could to supplement that work.

For the last several years, Cinco Puntos has invited local companies to Give the Gift of Literacy in El Paso. The goal of this program is to focus gifting on books. Companies can directly affect literacy in El Paso by giving books to their employees and clients and even by donating books to their local library in the name of their clients. “In low literacy situations, you need to have books that people want to pick up, that make people want to read, and that’s the kind of book that we make,” says Lee. Several of the press’ books have been placed on the American Library Associations prestigious YALSA list that highlights books that appeal to reluctant readers.

The Byrds recommend that buyers keep in mind the interests of the recipient. “You want to find a book that they’ll pick up. There’s nothing wrong with a kid who wants to read comic books. The important thing is that they are reading.” But she also notes that, in today’s market, you can find quality literature that suits any interest.

From Thanksgiving to Christmas, Cinco Puntos will donate a portion of its sales to the Friends of the El Paso Public Library. When you stop by their offices Downtown, just let them know that you are there to Give the Gift of Literacy.

Visit the Cinco Puntos Press bookstore, located in the offices at 701 Texas, for great deals on books and Cactus Mary Soap products. For more information, call 915.838.1625, or visit the website at www.cincopuntos.com.