Cuba Libro

Local Development Strategy #23 for keeping prices low/project growing, circa Nov 2025: People are always asking how we manage to offer 90 cup espresso (100% Cuban, 0% chicharro!) and food items (all freshly-made, in-house) beginning at less than 500 cup; pay dignified salaries & share profits; maintain free classes; and meet all tax and licensing obligations...

A big part of the strategy is 'a lo cubano:' saying 'hell no!' to programmed obsolescence and repairing (over and over and over again) our equipment. That espresso machine? Dismantled at least half a dozen times (the magnesium in Cuban water, even though we treat it, is a killer of electronics) and still going. The little toaster oven? Thermostat fixed multiple times and contact hard wired after the first couple of fixes means it soldiers on another day to make delicious bruschetta, sandwiches and more.

This is only possible thanks to the "Mago Magon" Jose Salgado who really, can fix ANYTHING, but also makes the parts, calibrates, and guarantees his work. Its really tragic to see what people throw away.

This disposable attitude has infected the island as well, but not PDL Cuba Libro. Every visit, comment, donation and kind word or deed helps us keep on steppin'