Reading as an instrument of social transformation and cultural strengthening was at the center of a debate held on Thursday (28), at the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj).
In a public hearing promoted by the Special Commission on Slums and Peripheries, representatives of the public authorities and the cultural sector discussed ways to expand access to books and consolidate policies aimed at literature produced in popular territories.
During the meeting, held at the Tiradentes Palace, the creation of the Carolina Maria de Jesus Working Group was announced, in homage to the writer and poet from Minas Gerais who became a reference in Brazilian literature by portraying the reality of the peripheries.
The GT's objective will be to monitor the implementation of the State Plan for Books, Reading, Literature and Libraries (PELLLB-RJ), as well as to advocate for the creation of permanent policies and the allocation of resources for initiatives focused on reading and literary production in favelas and peripheries.
State plan under discussion
The hearing focused on strengthening PELLLB-RJ, an instrument created to expand access to books, stimulate the formation of readers, and encourage the qualification of reading mediators throughout the state.
The president of the Special Commission on Slums and Peripheries, state representative Renata Souza, highlighted the importance of expanding the reach of public policies aimed at this sector.
“The State Book Plan is a milestone for the literary movement in Rio de Janeiro. Community libraries, for example, play a fundamental role in providing a welcoming environment, dialogue, and critical education in the peripheries. But we need to move forward so that these initiatives become consolidated as permanent public policies, with guaranteed budgets and infrastructure,” he stated.
Cultural production from the peripheries
The debate also addressed the relevance of literary production developed in peripheral territories and its impact on democratizing access to culture. The Secretary of Artistic and Cultural Training, Books and Reading of the Ministry of Culture, Fabiano Piúba, highlighted the role played by community initiatives in different regions of the country.
"The outskirts of the city are home to cultural events, community libraries, independent publishers, and creative economies that strengthen literature produced within those territories. These spaces play a fundamental role in the democratization of culture and reading," he stated.
The role of libraries
Another prominent theme was the role of community libraries, seen by participants as spaces that go beyond access to books and perform functions of welcoming, social interaction, and civic education.
Representatives from the CCAP Network (Center for the Creation of Popular Image), an organization that brings together cultural and educational initiatives in communities across the state, participated in the discussion.
Gabriel Salabert, Superintendent of Reading and Knowledge at the State Secretariat of Culture and Creative Economy, highlighted the evolving role of these institutions.
“Libraries have ceased to be merely spaces for books and have become places of welcome, dialogue, and education. Often, they represent a refuge for children and young people from the peripheries,” he stated.
Recognition of the sector
Representing the CCAP Network, Elisabeth Campos highlighted the impact of libraries in valuing local trajectories and identities.
“Libraries help children, young people, and the elderly recognize the value of their own stories through education, culture, and literature. It is work that strengthens the sense of belonging and empowerment of those in marginalized communities,” she commented.
At the end of the hearing, the Carolina Maria de Jesus Literature Prize was also awarded to 26 groups that work to promote reading, literature, and cultural production in different areas of the state of Rio de Janeiro.
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