Dua Lipa Launches Manifesto Library at Historic Livraria Lello
British singer Dua Lipa unveiled the Manifesto Library at Portugal's historic Livraria Lello in Porto this weekend, featuring 100 banned and censored books. The inauguration marked the first physical expression of Dua's Service95 Book Club, which launched in 2022. The club recommends one book each month, with Dua interviewing its author for a companion podcast.
Transforming Digital Community into Physical Space
The Manifesto Library transforms what began as a digital reading community into a physical space for debate, reading, exploring different cultures, and encouraging thoughtful conversations about literature, freedom of expression, and ideas. In an interview regarding the initiative, Dua described the project as a "dream partnership," adding that the new library "is a shrine to books that have disappeared." Inviting people to "visit and decide for yourself what belongs on these shelves," Dua said "sometimes, the most subversive thing you can do is read a book and then talk about it."
Curated Collection and Themes
The curated collection of books spans four themes: power, voice, control and memory. Featured titles include Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale and Reginald Dwayne Betts' Felon. The library will be located in Livraria Lello's new cultural auditorium, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza.
Social Media and Future Events
Dua took to her Instagram story to share photos from the inaugural event. Separately, Dua is set to curate a series of events during the opening weekend of the 2026 London Literature Festival, running from October 21 to November 1.
