Dua Lipa launches the Manifesto Library of banned and censored books in Porto, Portugal
Dua Lipa launches the Manifesto Library of banned and censored books in Porto, Portugal
Dua Lipa’s Manifesto Library brings banned and censored books to a historic Portuguese bookshop
Dua Lipa has opened a permanent collection of roughly 100 banned and censored titles inside Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal, to spotlight works that challenge power, censorship, and dominant narratives.
What the Manifesto Library is and why it matters
- The Manifesto Library is a dedicated space within Livraria Lello’s cultural auditorium, not a separate public library. It showcases books that have been prohibited or restricted in various jurisdictions for themes such as race, sexuality, LGBTQIA+ content, or political dissent.
- By assembling works like Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Reginald Dwayne Betts’s Felon, and selections from Salman Rushdie and Olga Tokarczuk, the collection underscores literature’s role as a “technology of freedom” – a concept echoed by Livraria Lello’s Head of Brand, Francisca Pedro Pinto.
- The library is part of the BABELL – City of Books international festival, reinforcing Portugal’s long‑standing commitment to literary culture.
“Reading the world brings us closer – but sadly, not everyone is in favour of that,” Lipa said in the press release, emphasizing that the library is a “shrine to books that have disappeared, to authors whose courage unmasks structures of power and control.”
How the project fits into Dua Lipa’s broader advocacy
- Lipa founded the Service95 Book Club, which recommends a new title each month and pairs it with a podcast interview of the author. The Manifesto Library extends that mission from digital recommendations to a physical, public space.
- Recent media coverage highlights Lipa’s cultural activism: a live album release, a secret wedding to actor Callum Turner, and her upcoming curation of the 2026 London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre.
- Commenters on Hacker News note that Lipa’s celebrity platform can “encourage young people to read literally anything” and that her involvement adds credibility beyond typical celebrity book‑club initiatives.
Public and critical reactions
- Clarifications: Some readers pointed out that Livraria Lello is a bookshop (Portuguese “livraria”), not a municipal library. The Manifesto Library is therefore an art‑installation‑style exhibit within a commercial space.
- Censorship context: A discussion highlighted how the phrase “banned books” evokes historical dictatorship tactics, suggesting that labeling school‑level restrictions as “bans” can be emotionally charged. The Manifesto Library, however, focuses on works actually prohibited by governments or institutions, providing a concrete counter‑narrative.
- Support for free access: One commenter observed that featuring banned titles in bookstores and libraries is a “small way to push back against censorship and promote freedom of information and critical thinking.”
The collection’s thematic pillars
| Theme | Example titles |
|---|---|
| Power | The Handmaid’s Tale (Atwood) |
| Control | Felon (Betts) |
| Voice | Selections from Rushdie, Tokarczuk |
| Memory | Works addressing historical erasure and marginalized narratives |
These four pillars guide the curation, ensuring each book either questions authority, has been silenced, gives voice to under‑represented groups, or preserves collective memory.
Why the Manifesto Library is a cultural milestone
- Visibility: Placing banned works in a high‑traffic tourist destination (Livraria Lello receives thousands of visitors daily) amplifies awareness of censorship worldwide.
- Celebrity influence: Lipa’s global fanbase brings new demographics to literary activism, potentially inspiring similar initiatives by other artists.
- Preservation: By physically housing these titles, the project safeguards them against digital erasure and provides a tangible space for discussion.
- Community engagement: The library invites visitors to “decide for yourself what belongs on these shelves,” encouraging personal reflection rather than top‑down censorship.
Looking ahead
- The Manifesto Library will remain a permanent feature of the BABELL festival and Livraria Lello’s cultural programming, with potential rotating exhibitions to keep the collection dynamic.
- Lipa’s upcoming role as curator of the London Literature Festival suggests further cross‑continental collaborations that could expand the reach of banned‑book advocacy.
- As discussions about censorship continue globally, the library serves as a concrete reminder that literature can both challenge and survive attempts to silence it.
Bottom line: Dua Lipa’s Manifesto Library transforms a historic Portuguese bookshop into a public showcase of censored literature, leveraging celebrity influence to champion freedom of expression and inspire readers worldwide.