About

The Lisbon Library Network, with 17 public libraries, is the biggest public library network in Portugal.

Susana Silvestre, Head of Division of Libraries Network | eng

In 2012, we implemented the Strategic Program Library XXI. This program aims at the conversion of the present network into a 3rd generation one, where people have an active role in the design and development of each library.

Graphic recording of a participative session with Marvila community

Within this network, each library is unique to itself because we take into account the place and the community where the library is implemented.

Marvila photoshoots

We truly believe that having the community involved from the start results in a library with which the local people can identify, and therefore generates a high level of community participation in the activities promoted.

Moments of participative processes with the community

We can´t go on acting as if we know what is best for people. We have to understand the ecosystem to know how to reach people.

From Youtube to Bycicle repair workshops, the library go deep on parterships to address people’s interests and needs

An engaged and informed citizen is central for a healthy democracy, in which community engagement makes people feel welcome and involved.

Paulo José Silva, responsible for Marvila Public Library | subtitled

For this poster we selected Marvila Public Library because it represents a good practice of a participative community process. This library has become a booster for cultural development because we are investing heavily in:

  • encouraging youths to get involved in the community;
  • creating bonds and generating a sense of self-worth;
  • talking about challenges and opportunities;
  • working together to solve community problems;
  • improving partnerships.

The Arts are one major bet to reach all segments of the community. Did you know that gaming also incorporates an artistic view point?

For us it’s important to create bonds, reinforce identity and generate confidence; we want to reach the hearts through the Art. In this poster we highlight 3 examples that prove that this is possible. From a wide range of good examples of emergent artistic projects that we are fostering in this library, we would like to share with you Street Art, Theater and Woodcraft.

People make the Library, without people we would only have a building.

More on the web: