Augusto Beltrá Jover, longtime Novelda bookseller, dies

Augusto Beltrá Jover, a prominent bookseller and cultural promoter in Novelda, Spain, died on 4 August. For decades he ran the iconic La Farándula bookstore, first on Calle del Casino and later on Calle San José, turning it into a meeting point for readers, writers and literary enthusiasts. The shop earned numerous awards and became a cultural reference in the Comunidad Valenciana.

Beltrá also played a leading role in the Asamblea Amistosa Literaria “Capítulo de Novelda”, helping to publicise the life and work of scientist‑mariner Jorge Juan. After his retirement the store closed. A wake was held at the Novelda funeral home and a funeral mass scheduled at the San Pedro church, with condolences from family, friends and cultural figures.