Exploring Power, Control, and Voice: Inside Dua Lipa's Manifesto Library at Livraria Lello
Dua Lipa has unveiled the Manifesto Library, a unique reading space established in collaboration with Porto's Livraria Lello, serving as the inaugural physical location for the Service95 Book Club. Set to open on June 27th within Livraria Lello's new cultural auditorium, the library will showcase a curated collection of 100 books centered around the themes of Power, Control, Voice, and Memory. This collection will feature books that have faced bans, censorship, or challenges, as well as works exploring identity, freedom of expression, race, gender, and political power. Visitors will have the opportunity to contribute to the collection through ongoing discussions and engagement.
Dua Lipa expressed her excitement about the partnership between Livraria Lello and the Service95 Book Club, emphasizing the significance of the Manifesto Library. She described the library as a tribute to vanished books, courageous authors who challenge power structures, and readers who reject limitations on their reading choices. The library encourages visitors to explore the shelves and decide for themselves what should be included. Lipa highlighted the subversive act of reading a book and engaging in conversations about it.
The Manifesto Library's launch coincides with BABELL - City of Books, a new literary festival organized by Fundação Livraria Lello. Notable authors such as Salman Rushdie and Olga Tokarczuk, whose works are part of the collection, will participate in the event. The opening ceremony will feature the Service95 Book Club's Book Tasting format, blending literature, dialogue, and Portuguese wine. The library is envisioned as a permanent venue for public discourse and cultural activities, with Livraria Lello emphasizing its role as a statement on the importance of books in society, rather than just a repository of censored materials.
In conclusion, the Manifesto Library, established through a collaboration between Dua Lipa, Livraria Lello, and the Service95 Book Club, offers a thought-provoking collection of books that challenge norms and spark conversations. By creating a space for exploration, dialogue, and community engagement, the library aims to celebrate the power of literature in shaping our understanding of the world. Visit the Manifesto Library to discover a diverse range of voices and perspectives that inspire critical thinking and reflection.