Key Takeaways
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- The Brazilian government has launched a new National Plan for Books and Reading (PNLL) that aims to improve access to books, strengthen library infrastructure, and cultivate a culture of reading until 2036.
- The Vivaleitura Prize was reintroduced after a 10-year absence to promote reading across various social and educational contexts. Five projects received awards in different categories.
- A new digital platform called MEC Livros was announced, providing free access to reading materials for students, teachers, and the general public. President Lula emphasized that the governments role is to facilitate access to culture, not dictate reading choices.
- The Brazilian government has increased funding for the sector, with a focus on boosting literacy rates, especially in underserved regions, and enhancing ongoing reading programs. The event highlighted the importance of integrating culture with social development and advocated for A Brazil with more books, less guns.
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The Brazilian government’s agency convened in Brasília on Thursday to present the 9th Viva Leitura Award, returning after a 10-year hiatus. The awards ceremony recognized projects that enhance book and reading accessibility in diverse settings, including schools and communities. This event coincided with World Book Day celebrations and the official launch of the National Plan for Books and Reading (PNLL), which will guide policy until 2036. Additionally, the MEC Books program was announced. Attendees at the ceremony included President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Minister of Culture Margareth Menezes, and Minister of Education Leonardo Barchini. Five projects received awards across different categories: the Moara Project (Para) for libraries, Readings Experienced (Roraima) for schools, Underground Narratives (Bahia) for various spaces, Indigenous Authorship (Bahia) for creative writing, and Escrevivencias of Liberation (Acre) for prisons and socioeducational systems. Each winning project was awarded R$50 million. Minister Menezes stated, “Investing in culture and education means investing in the future.”
The PNLL signifies a new chapter for public book policies, developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Culture (Minc) and the Ministry of Education (Mec), with input from civil society. This plan outlines goals and strategies for the next decade, focusing on improving access to books, strengthening library infrastructure, and cultivating a culture of reading. Minister Menezes highlighted the plan’s structural impact, stating, “This National Plan brings interministerial muscle for promoting books, reading, writing, and libraries.” She also emphasized the government’s cultural agenda, advocating for “A Brazil with more books, less guns.” Key guidelines within the PNLL include the construction and renovation of municipal libraries, the expansion of school and public collections, and support for ongoing reading programs, with a particular focus on underserved regions.
Minister Menezes underscored the importance of integrating culture with social development, asserting that while Brazilians need adequate housing, they also require access to libraries, books, culture, education, and art. She reiterated that investing in culture and education is an investment in humanity and future hope. Currently, public and community libraries are incorporated into Brazil’s National Program for Books and Teaching Materials (PNLD). In 2026, over 2 million books were distributed to approximately 4,100 libraries nationwide. Brazil registers about 3,400 public libraries and 700 community libraries, with additional libraries integrated into housing projects like Minha Casa, Minha Vida, and mobile libraries serving smaller municipalities. The event also noted an increase of 3 million book enthusiasts in Brazil, with Black women representing the largest demographic of readers. The Vivaleitura Prize, reintroduced after a 10-year absence, aims to promote reading across various social and educational contexts. Minister Menezes reiterated the PNLL’s objective: “A Brazil with more books and fewer guns.” The plan’s initiatives over the next decade include building and modernizing libraries, expanding collections, and fostering reading activities, especially in areas with the greatest need.
A significant announcement at the ceremony was the introduction of MEC Livros, a free digital platform designed to provide access to reading materials for students, teachers, and the general public. President Lula stated that the government’s role is to facilitate access to culture, not to dictate reading choices. He explained, “Our job isn’t to choose what book someone reads. Our job is to make sure all creativity can reach everyone’s hands.” The platform already offers thousands of titles and has been well-received since its launch.
Boosting Books and Reading Culture in Brazil with Increased Funding and Initiatives
Minister of Education Leonardo Barchini also confirmed increased funding for the sector, stating, “We’re really focusing on boosting the culture of books and reading in Brazil.” He credited programs like PNLD and initiatives such as Reading Nooks, which are implemented in over 137,000 schools, for contributing to literacy rates reaching 66 among kids by 2025. Concluding the event, President Lula emphasized education as a strategic investment for Brazil’s future. Also in attendance were Marcio Tavares and Cassius Rosa, Secretaries from Minc’s Executive Secretariat; Fabiano Piuba, Secretary of Artistic and Cultural Training, Books and Reading at Minc; Jeferson Dos Santos Assumcao, Director of Books, Reading, Literature, and Libraries; Andressa Marques da Silva, General Coordinator of the National Plan for Books and Reading (PNLL); and Marco Lucchesi, President of the National Library Foundation, among other officials from both ministries.