The genius that is Rueben Martinez

He’s the first bookseller to be awarded one of those MacArthur Foundation “genius grants.” He turned his barbershop into a bookstore. He wrote a children’s book. His personal art collection is on display in Leatherby Libraries. And did we mention he is one of the most vibrant speakers in Orange County? [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIkZJFnZumg]

Yes, we’re talking about Rueben Martinez, founder and owner of Librería Martinez Books and Art Gallery and a Chapman University Presidential Fellow, who will deliver a lecture titled “Embracing Literature and Strengthening Communities” at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17 in Irvine Lecture Hall. The lecture is part of the Hashinger Lecture Series sponsored by the College of Educational Studies. (Check out the video to catch a glimpse of this dynamo in action!)

For more information about the event, visit the College of Educational Studies’ Facebook page.