Penn State Abington graduate Oscar Almonte-Espinal transformed his passion for literature into a career at an independent bookseller in an underserved Philadelphia neighborhood.
ABINGTON, Pa. — The New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association named Oscar Almonte-Espinal, a 2021 Penn State Abington graduate, its "Handseller of the Year" for his outstanding work connecting readers with appropriate and challenging literary options at Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books. The shop is a popular Black-owned bookstore in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.
Almonte-Espinal's dedication to literature, literacy, and supporting writers resonates with Uncle Bobbie’s customers, many of whom reside in underserved communities and benefit from his knowledgeable recommendations, personal assistance, and debriefs on new book releases.
“Throughout my years working as a bookseller, I’ve learned that bookselling is how we resist those who are trying to keep books and understanding out of the hands of readers. I’ve never been so proud to identify as a bookseller," he said. "I’m incredibly grateful for this recognition from my peers."
Almonte-Espinal is the "bookstagrammer" behind "Literary Henny," which boasts almost 15,000 followers. Born in the Dominican Republic, the first-generation college student created the account in 2017 as he was struggling with the transition to higher education. He found solace and confidence in championing literature including translations from Latin American authors, he said.
Almonte-Espinal believes in the “real and true power of books,” and, he said, it led him to pursue his passion for literature as an English major.
"Oscar's success is evidence of the utility of an English degree. We have a vibrant English major at Abington where students work closely with award-winning faculty and learn essential critical thinking and communication skills," Liliana Naydan, associate professor of English, said.
"Once they graduate, we help them leverage these skills to pursue careers in publishing, education, law, business and other fields. Oscar pursued his dream career and now has a prestigious award to show for his great skill and hard work," she continued.
I’ve learned that bookselling is how we resist those who are trying to keep books and understanding out of the hands of readers.—Oscar Almonte-Espinal , 2021 Penn State Abington graduate
The booksellers association presented Almonte-Espinal with the honor at its annual conference in Virginia this week. Known as the Joe Drabyak Spirit Award, it was named in honor of the former president of the organization and recognizes booksellers for inventive marketing and promotions.
The association counts independent books sellers in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, the District of Columbia and northern Virginia among its members.
About Penn State Abington
Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. With more than 3,100 students, Penn State Abington is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 25 majors, accelerated master's degrees, undergraduate research, the Schreyer Honors College, NCAA Division III athletics and more.
