Benicia, California, June 10, 2026 — A public library in Northern California transformed its usually quiet reading room into an energetic wrestling arena as professional wrestlers entertained visitors in an unusual effort to promote reading and literacy.
The event took place at the Benicia Public Library, where visitors had been warned in advance that the library might be louder than usual. However, few expected wrestlers to enter the reading room to loud music and perform high-flying moves inside a wrestling ring set up among the bookshelves.
Children and adults cheered as the performers delivered body slams and aerial kicks while blending entertainment with storytelling. One of the featured wrestlers, known as Llama Jack, appeared wearing a black mask with furry ears and began reading the children’s book Llama Llama Time to Share. The story was briefly interrupted when rival wrestlers entered the ring, leading to a playful match before Llama Jack calmly resumed reading to the audience.
The event is part of “Lucha Libro,” a literacy initiative launched in 2024 that combines professional wrestling with book promotion. The name is inspired by Mexico’s famous wrestling tradition, Lucha Libre, while “libro” means “book” in Spanish.
Organizers plan to hold more than 40 similar events this year in libraries across the United States, from California to New Jersey. One of the circuit’s most popular performers is Richard Schinary, who also works as a librarian.
Lucha Libro Chief Executive Officer Jerry Rocha said the idea originated when a local library approached him and co-founder Victor Dwight in 2024 with a proposal to stage a wrestling show. Dwight also performs as wrestler Victor Von Richter.
Reflecting on the program’s success, Rocha said two worlds that were never expected to meet—libraries and professional wrestling—have come together in a surprisingly effective way, helping attract new audiences to books and reading.
