Dua Lipa has struck gold with her bold new library in Porto, Portugal – a treasure trove of banned books that will challenge readers to think, question and ignite a passion for freedom of expression. This is more than just a collection of dusty old tomes; it's a battle cry for the power of literature to spark change and inspire humanity.
The Manifesto Library, nestled within the majestic Livraria Lello bookshop, has officially opened its doors as part of the BABELL – City of Books festival. This historic venue is the perfect backdrop for Lipa's vision – a space where readers can delve into the stories that have been silenced or banned across various regions.
Dua Lipa beamed with pride as she described her dream partnership: 'This library is a love letter to writers and readers who refuse to be bound by censorship.' With 100 books at its core, each one a testament to the courage of authors who dare to push boundaries, the collection spans four themes: power, control, voice, and memory. You'll find Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid’s Tale alongside Reginald Dwayne Betts' Felon, with works from Salman Rushdie and Olga Tokarczuk, among others.
Lipa makes no bones about what this library means: 'It's a shrine to books that have been erased from the shelves. It's a celebration of authors who refuse to be silenced and readers who demand the freedom to choose.' The sentiment is echoed by Francisca Pedro Pinto, Head of Brand at Livraria Lello, who sees the Manifesto Library as 'a beacon for the future of reading – where imagination knows no bounds and society can shape its own destiny'.
This new chapter in Lipa's literary journey follows hot on the heels of her Service95 Book Club launch in 2023. And with her upcoming curatorial role at the Southbank Centre's London Literature Festival in 2026, it's clear that Dua Lipa is a force to be reckoned with – championing literature and literacy with unbridled passion and dedication.