Quick Summary
- 1After ten years as the director of the Biblioteca Nacional de España, Ana Santos has received the prestigious Espasa de Ensayo prize.
- 2The award was given for her book Sembrar palabras, which explores the history of education and reading as a tool for women's emancipation.
- 3Born in Zaragoza, the 68-year-old retired official holds a degree in Geography and History.
- 4Her work traces centuries of educational development.
Quick Summary
After ten years as the director of the Biblioteca Nacional de España, Ana Santos has received the prestigious Espasa de Ensayo prize. The award was given for her book Sembrar palabras, which explores the history of education and reading as a tool for women's emancipation. Born in Zaragoza, the 68-year-old retired official holds a degree in Geography and History. Her work traces centuries of educational development. Santos has described her personal library as a "chaos." The recognition highlights her transition from public administration to literary authorship.
A Distinguished Career at the National Library
Ana Santos served as the director of the Biblioteca Nacional de España for a decade, from 2013 to 2023. Her tenure at the institution is described as a dream job for anyone who loves both books and the public sector. She stepped down from the role recently, concluding a significant period of leadership within the Spanish cultural landscape.
Her professional background is rooted in academia. Santos is a licensed professional in Geography and History. She was born in the city of Zaragoza 68 years ago. Her long career in public service culminated in her leadership of the country's primary library.
"Mi biblioteca es un caos"— Ana Santos
Winning the Espasa de Ensayo Prize
Following her retirement, Santos achieved a new literary milestone by winning the Espasa de Ensayo prize. This award is a significant recognition in the field of non-fiction writing. The prize was specifically awarded for her work titled Sembrar palabras.
The book represents a deep dive into historical themes. It serves as a journey through centuries of educational history. The central thesis focuses on the power of reading and education. Santos presents these elements as fundamental tools for the emancipation of women throughout history.
The Philosophy of Reading 📚
Santos is a defender of the physical book. She views the paper book as a distinct object of physical pleasure. This perspective stands out in an increasingly digital world. Her advocacy for the physical medium aligns with her long career managing physical collections.
Despite her professional expertise in organizing libraries, Santos admits to a personal paradox regarding her own collection. She has stated that her personal library is a "caos" (chaos). This candid admission offers a humanizing glimpse into the life of a former high-level library administrator.
Conclusion
Ana Santos continues to contribute to cultural discourse after leaving her post at the Biblioteca Nacional de España. Her receipt of the Espasa de Ensayo prize underscores her continued relevance in the fields of education and culture. Through Sembrar palabras, she connects her lifelong passion for history and reading with a broader social message regarding women's rights. Her legacy remains tied to both her administrative leadership and her current literary achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ana Santos is the former director of the Biblioteca Nacional de España, serving from 2013 to 2023. She is a 68-year-old retired official born in Zaragoza with a degree in Geography and History.
She won the Espasa de Ensayo prize for her book 'Sembrar palabras', which focuses on the history of education and reading as a tool for women's emancipation.
