Book Advising Services: Librairie des Colonnes (Tangier), Motto Books (Berlin, Paris, and Beyond)

History and Context:

Founded in 1949, Librairie des Colonnes in Tangier, Morocco, holds a venerable place in the literary and cultural mosaic of North Africa, its legacy now enriched by a dynamic partnership with Motto Books, a pioneering publisher celebrating 20 years of existence. Situated in Tangier’s beating heart, Librairie des Colonnes began as a refuge for expatriate writers, artists, and intellectuals, flourishing into a cultural nexus during the mid-20th century. Across the globe, Motto Books, launched in Berlin in 2005 and later extending its reach to Paris and a network of bookstore installments worldwide, has carved its own path as a visionary force in independent publishing. Over two decades, Motto Books has grown from a bold idea into a global presence, its installations in cities from Tokyo to New York fostering a catalog that now boasts 35,000 entries in five languages—English, German, French, Spanish, Russian and Italian. Together, Librairie des Colonnes and Motto Books weave a narrative of literary and artistic connection, spanning continents and generations.Librairie des Colonnes has matured into a cultural institution over its 75-year history, its shelves lined with books in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish, offering everything from timeless classics to the latest works across diverse subjects.

In tandem, Motto Books’ 20-year journey has yielded a remarkable collection of artist books, experimental literature, and visually arresting publications, reflecting its commitment to amplifying independent voices. While Tangier’s bookstore bridges Moroccan and global perspectives, Motto Books’ expansive catalog—grown through its worldwide network—embodies Berlin’s avant-garde spirit, Paris’s intellectual finesse, and the eclectic energy of its global outposts. From Tangier’s literary resurgence to Motto’s two decades of experiments, these spaces wish to unite as vital hubs for creators, readers, and thinkers across the world. Both have chronicled their cities’ cultural shifts. Librairie des Colonnes has hosted book launches and discussions that ignite Tangier’s artistic flame, while Motto Books, over its 20 years, has fueled Berlin’s experimental ethos, recnetly branching into Paris’s publishing tradition, and collaborated with institutions and bookstores globally to expand its reach. This synergy has birthed a catalog of 35,000 titles, a testament to Motto’s relentless pursuit of creative excellence across different languages.

Renovated in 2010 by Pierre Bergé, Librairie des Colonnes enchants with its custom wooden shelves, a haven for book lovers, while Motto Books’ publications—born from Berlin, refined in Paris, and distributed worldwide—marry daring content with striking design. Today, Librairie des Colonnes and Motto Books shine as beacons of their cities’ creative identities—Tangier’s enduring heritage, Berlin’s fearless innovation, Paris’s elegant artistry, and the boundless ambition of Motto’s global network.

Library and Research Services

At Librairie des Colonnes in Tangier and Motto Books in Berlin, Paris, and beyond, we see the pursuit of knowledge and art as a boundless odyssey. Our book advising services unite Tangier’s storied bookstore with Motto Books’ 20-year legacy, offering access to a catalog of 35,000 titles across five languages, cultivated through a global network of bookstore installments. From Tangier’s multilingual treasures to Motto’s daring editions spanning Berlin, Paris, and the world, we provide a curated journey for collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts.Immerse yourself in our collections and explore:

1. Art History and Culture: Traverse artistic evolution, from Tangier’s North African roots to Berlin’s modern provocations and Paris’s classical heritage, enriched by Motto Books’ 20 years of publications that span five languages and global perspectives.
2. Biographies and Monographs: Journey through the lives of artists and writers, from Morocco’s literary pioneers to the world’s avant-garde icons, with Motto’s 35,000-strong catalog offering multilingual insights into their creative legacies.
3. Artists’ Books and Experimental Publishing: Celebrate the book as an art form. Librairie des Colonnes collaborates with artists to craft unique works, while Motto Books—over 20 years—has produced a vast array of limited-edition artist books, zines, and bibliophile treasures, distributed through its global network.
4. Humanities and Politics: In an era defined by rapid transformation and pressing global challenges, our collections offer a deep dive into the humanities and politics, illuminating the forces shaping today’s world. From critical studies on identity and migration to sharp analyses of technological ethics and social justice movements, these works engage with the complexities of our interconnected age. The multilingual selection spans perspectives that question power structures, explore cultural exchanges, and reflect on humanity’s place in an ever-shifting geopolitical landscape. Whether you’re a researcher seeking insight into contemporary debates or a curious mind grappling with the present, our staff are ready to guide you through this rich reservoir
5. Literature and Poetry: The timeless allure of literature and poetry finds a vibrant home in our collections, offering both solace and provocation. These works weave narratives that stretch from classic tales to modern voices, capturing the human condition in all its beauty and struggle. Poetry, in particular, shines with verses that fuse tradition with fresh expressions, speaking to universal experiences while echoing the pulse of our times. Whether it’s an essay pushing intellectual boundaries or a lyrical piece that lingers in the soul, this curated selection invites readers to explore stories and stanzas that inspire reflection and wonder, guided by our team’s passion for the written word.

Whether you’re wandering the wooden aisles of Librairie des Colonnes in Tangier or engaging with Motto Books’ latest release from Berlin, Paris, or one of its worldwide partners, our expertise guides you. Together, we offer a sanctuary for the curious—Tangier’s upstairs cabinet de curiosités with its rare finds, paired with Motto’s ever-growing, 35,000-title catalog, a monument to 20 years of innovation across five languages. This collaboration between Librairie des Colonnes and Motto Books invites you into a world of vivid narratives, masterful design, and the infinite potential of the written and visual arts.

Contact: office (at) mottodistribution.com