The beginnings of the Street Library in Brazil

Everyone is welcome at the Street Library. It’s a space where everyone feels included and free—both essential principles of ATD Fourth World. Thanks to the approach of facilitators and participants, everyone feels encouraged to take part without worrying about following formal rules. Children can come and go freely as they wish, all in a welcoming environment.

The Street Library is located in Caxambu, in the Imperial City Petropolis, on the Morro dos Anjos. This site has become a meeting place and a reference point for children, where they can share experiences, knowledge, and learning.

The street library, first established by Joseph Wresinski – founder of ATD Fourth World, is a project present in many countries where ATD Fourth World is active. From the outset, a Street Library enables tangible action in the present while fostering aspirations for the future.

As such, it (the Street Library) is simultaneously a place of welcome, harmony, and connection, where books inspire a thirst for knowledge and support the campaign for human and social rights.

In Brazil, the first Street Library was launched in 2007 by Mariana Guerra and Eduardo Simas. Eliana Campeão suggested setting up the library in the Caxambu neighborhood, as she taught there and was deeply familiar with the community’s challenges. Eliana became one of the project’s facilitators, working alongside others who decided to support this initiative.

A source of individual and collective inspiration

Life in the Caxambu neighborhood is challenging. Access to food, education, and leisure activities—among other basic needs—is limited. Violence and drugs create significant hardships compounded by natural disasters such as landslides and persistent urban inequality.” Despite these difficulties, the community remains united and compassionate, always striving to improve their surroundings. Many adolescents become parents at a very young age, perpetuating a cycle of poverty in families with limited opportunities to increase their income.

Those currently facilitating the Street Library are Malena (a member of the community), Pilar (from Guatemala), and Cris (a drama teacher). They emphasize that activities beyond the physical space of the Street Library are essential for enabling participants to explore new experiences and realize that their dreams can become a reality. These activities also foster connections with others, broaden horizons, and inspire personal transformation.

Discovering and visiting new places encourages personal growth and allows individuals to develop their interests. Participants are motivated to seek opportunities, engage in meaningful practices, and take proactive steps toward achieving their goals.

Located in the heart of Caxambu, nestled in the beautiful mountains near Petropolis, this project inspires children, young people, and their families. Through the Street Library, facilitators demonstrate that a better and fairer future is possible.

By nurturing dreams and fostering individual and collective hope, participants discover their abilities, define their aspirations, and develop a sense of responsibility for their futures and that of their community.

The importance of the Street Library, as felt by its participants

Regarding the Street Library in Brazil, Vera Campeas shares:

• “I began volunteering at the street library in Caxambu in 2007. I was excited by its philosophy and success in other countries and I pursued my dream of building mutual understanding and solidarity while advocating for human and social rights. I was deeply moved by the profound teachings of Joseph Wresinski: ‘With bare hands and feet, but with a full heart.’ Standing before the mountains and on the beaten earth for the first time, I felt I was exactly where I needed to be.
• Our efforts have become invaluable opportunities for transformation. Though sometimes modest, these changes are essential, driven by the strength of solidarity and humanist movements. I have dedicated myself to this cause, which has become my story, my mission, and my reason to work for change.”

Malena Justo tells us:

• “I started as one of the first children involved in the Street Library. I loved participating in the activities and was captivated by the books and stories the volunteers shared with us. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in teaching, and I graduated with a teaching degree in 2009.
• What I loved most was when Aunt Verinha would put me on her lap and tell me how beautiful I was and how capable I was of achieving all my dreams and goals. Today, as a facilitator at the Street Library, I see how vital this space was and continues to be for my life and my family’s.”

Gabrielle, 16, adds:

“When I am at the Street Library, I feel really good and happy. I love everything here: the games, the reading, the activities, and the popcorn when we have a pop-up cinema! Reading is very important because, through reading, I’ll be able to help many people!”