Our history
The bookshop was founded in 1973 by Bernard Letu. Initially conceived as an art gallery specializing in fantastic engravings, the space gradually became a bookshop dedicated to fine and applied arts.
Impacted by the pandemic in 2020, Bernard decides to cease his activity. Julia Cincinatis and Alix Ripoll, both acquainted with the man and the space, and with a shared taste for books and arts, decided then to take a leap of faith. In 2021 the Librairie Bernard Letu is taken over by the dynamic duo and soon after becomes Letubooks, Librairie d’art.
Alix Ripoll
Genevan by adoption, the bookstore was Alix Ripoll’s very first good address. She worked for 3 years alongside Bernard, who passed on to her his experience and knowledge of the bookselling trade. Previously, she worked as a communications expert for press agencies and major companies. She is the manager of LetuBooks.
“There is nothing more satisfying than being able to pair a customer with THE book made for them. Through a discussion, after a long search, or by happy accident.”
If she could only keep one book, it would be Lesage, Brodeur, written by Patrick Mauriès.
Julia Cincinatis
For her part, Julia Cincinatis was born in Brussels, and has been into books as far as she can recall. She started her career abroad in the energy sector. It was while visiting Geneva in 2016 that Julia first entered the bookstore, and soon after became involved in it. Passionate about the arts, she focuses on development and partnerships for Letubooks.
“ It is becoming harder to disconnect from the contemporary agitation. An independent bookstore should provide such place: the opportunity to wander, get lost, find a treasure without looking for one, nurture beauty and curiosity – away from the world – while very much in it. “
If she could only keep one book? One book? Sounds like an oxymore.
Marie Khalife
From the very early days of Julia and Alix’s entrepreneurial endeavor, Marie Khalife has been part of the team. She joined in early 2022, soon becoming essential to the equation. At the bookshop on a daily basis, she provides both corporate and private customers with a top-quality experience. Half Swiss and half Lebanese, she studied Architecture and enjoys taking part in associative activities in her free time.
The book she would keep above all other is (Nothing but) Flowers, edited by Karma Books.
The bookshop is located in Geneva's Old Town, wherewe are happy to welcome you from Tuesday to Saturday, or during our events and artistic encounters. Our online store enables us to deliver our books to your door, wherever you are, anywhere in the world.
