International pop sensation Dua Lipa has announced the launch of a permanent library dedicated to banned and censored books in Portugal. The initiative aims to celebrate freedom of expression while honoring authors whose works have faced censorship around the world.
Named the Manifesto Library, the collection will become a permanent extension of Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club, which she launched in 2021 to encourage global conversations about literature, culture, and important social issues. The library officially opens at the historic Livraria Lello bookstore in Porto.
The project is part of Livraria Lello’s 120th anniversary celebrations, but the library will remain open to visitors long after the commemorative events conclude. It is designed to provide readers with access to influential books that have challenged political, cultural, or social restrictions throughout history.
Speaking about the initiative, Dua Lipa said books have the power to connect people across cultures and perspectives. However, she noted that many governments and institutions have attempted to silence certain voices by banning or censoring literature. She hopes the library will encourage readers to explore different viewpoints freely.
The collection features 100 carefully selected titles, including Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Reginald Dwayne Betts’ Felon, and works by Nobel Prize-winning author Olga Tokarczuk. Many of these books have sparked debate, questioned authority, or highlighted issues related to justice, equality, and human rights.
According to Dua Lipa, the Manifesto Library is a tribute to writers who challenged oppression and defended intellectual freedom. She emphasized that readers should have the right to decide for themselves what they read, adding that reading a book and discussing its ideas can sometimes be one of the most powerful acts of change.
