Cartonera Books

Global Texts: Local Covers

April - May 2018

Cartonera books are made from cardboard and recycled materials and originated in Argentina in 2003 when the value of local currency plummeted. The tough economic conditions led to an increase in the number of cartoneros, people who make their living collecting and selling salvaged materials to recycling plants.

Cartonera books are made from cardboard bought from cartoneros at three to five times the price set by recycling plants. The cardboard is then used to create covers for short books of prose or poetry. Each book cover is hand painted and sold on the streets at the cost of production in order to increase access to literature. This method of publication has provided the opportunity for unknown authors to be published, as well as for renowned authors to reach a more diverse audience. (Source: Wikipedia)

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