Visiting Librería Barco de Papel, I was able to experience a cultural center that promotes the Spanish language and traditions. Despite its small and off to the side appearance, this bookstore is an integral part of the Elmhurst community. By providing children and adults with easily accessible Spanish novels, they help educate the prevalent Spanish-speaking community, while also providing non-Spanish speakers with the ability to learn the language and culture. Speaking with Paula Ortiz,  I was inspired by her passion and interest in providing her community with something so special. Not only does her bookstore provide the community with Spanish books, but it also holds various educational and artistic events for children and the for local artists, writers, and poets to present their work in front of an audience. I admire Paula and her partner, Ramón, for creating a bookstore without being interested financial profits. Instead, their experiences at this bookstore provide them with the best type of satisfaction. Although I took Spanish for three years in High School, I never truly appreciated the language or the culture as I did when I visited Librería Barco de Papel. Being in a classroom and learning a language I didn’t think I could use, I was reluctant to involve myself within the tradition. However, visiting this bookstore allows me to understand the importance of the language in the Spanish community but its relevance to non-Spanish speaking people as well. The homely feeling and quirky aspects of this bookstore truly fascinate me. I appreciate the treasure Paula and Ramón have created and I honestly hope to be part of or create something so inspiring. Finally, I believe I have a better understanding of the Spanish-speaking community within this neighborhood and feel that I could be connected to this community just through a small yet significant bookstore.