Dua Lipa makes her debut as a bookseller: she opens a bookstore in Portugal dedicated to banned books

Dua Lipa has made an unexpected yet significant transition from music to literature, launching a library in Portugal dedicated to banned books. The initiative, named Biblioteca Manifesto, was unveiled recently within the historic Livraria Lello in Porto, a renowned bookshop known for its architectural beauty and literary heritage. This new venture marks a bold step into the world of publishing and intellectual discourse, focusing on works that have been censored, challenged, or suppressed globally.

The library is more than just a collection of books; it serves as a sanctuary for texts that have faced resistance due to their content. Organized around four central themes—Power, Control, Voice, and Memory—the selection includes over 5,000 copies of approximately 100 titles chosen for their thought-provoking nature. These works span diverse subjects such as politics, identity, gender, freedom of expression, and social justice, all of which have historically sparked controversy and debate.

Biblioteca Manifesto emerges as a natural evolution of Dua Lipa’s earlier literary efforts. In 2022, she founded the Service95 Book Club, a reading group aimed at connecting young readers worldwide through monthly recommendations, author interviews, and discussions about literature that challenges societal norms. Her vision was clear: to create a space where writers and readers could gather, regardless of location or circumstances, to engage with challenging texts.

According to the library's website, Dua Lipa expressed her commitment to this cause, stating that the library would serve as a refuge for books that have disappeared, authors whose courage exposes power structures, and readers who refuse to accept limitations on their reading choices. She emphasized that the library aims to reaffirm literature as a domain of intellectual freedom, complexity, and critical thinking during a time when books continue to be removed from schools and public libraries, often under scrutiny or subtle forms of pressure.

The timing of this project is particularly noteworthy given recent global trends regarding censorship. Reports indicate that in 2023, there were 4,240 attempts at censorship in U.S. schools and public libraries. Additionally, in 2024, writers were arrested in over 40 countries, highlighting the ongoing struggle for free expression in various parts of the world. Biblioteca Manifesto seeks to counter these trends by offering a physical space where controversial and banned books can be accessed and discussed openly.

Dua Lipa’s journey into the literary world began before the launch of Biblioteca Manifesto. In 2022, she established the Service95 Book Club, which grew into an international community of readers. Through this platform, she interviewed contemporary authors and brought literature into the forefront of her public persona, a rare occurrence in an industry typically associated with fleeting trends rather than deep conversations.

Now, with Biblioteca Manifesto, Dua Lipa is taking these discussions beyond the digital realm and into a tangible, physical space. This move signifies a shift from online engagement to real-world interaction, where books are no longer confined to screens but occupy a traditional setting—a room filled with shelves, silence, and time.

The library's collection features around 100 essential titles that provide insight into the modern world. These works are carefully curated to reflect the complexities of current issues while encouraging readers to confront uncomfortable truths. By choosing books that provoke reflection and challenge existing beliefs, Dua Lipa aims to foster a deeper understanding of the world through literature.

As the library opens its doors, it invites visitors to explore a range of perspectives that might otherwise remain hidden or restricted. This initiative not only highlights the importance of free speech but also underscores the role of literature in shaping societal values and promoting critical thinking. With its unique approach to curating and presenting books, Biblioteca Manifesto stands as a testament to the enduring power of written word in the face of suppression and censorship.