Global pop star Dua Lipa has launched the Manifesto Library, a unique collection of 100 banned and censored books. The launch took place at the iconic Livraria Lello bookstore in Porto, Portugal.
The project marks the first physical extension of her Service95 Book Club. She introduced the club in 2022 to encourage reading and meaningful discussions. This was accomplished through monthly book recommendations and author interviews.
Designed as a space for readers to explore literature, exchange ideas, and celebrate freedom of expression, the Manifesto Library transforms the online book club into an immersive cultural destination. Furthermore, the collection encourages conversations around censorship, creativity, and the power of storytelling.
Speaking about the initiative, Dua Lipa described the collaboration as a “dream partnership” and called the library “a shrine to books that have disappeared.” She encouraged visitors to discover the collection for themselves. She added, “Sometimes, the most subversive thing you can do is read a book and then talk about it.”
The library features books organised into four themes—Power, Voice, Control, and Memory. It includes acclaimed works such as The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and Felon by Reginald Dwayne Betts.
Housed inside Livraria Lello’s newly developed cultural auditorium, the space was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza. This adds another landmark to one of the world’s most famous bookstores.
Dua also shared moments from the launch event on her Instagram Stories, giving fans a glimpse inside the literary project.
In addition to the library launch, the Grammy-winning singer is set to curate a series of events during the opening weekend of the 2026 London Literature Festival. The festival is scheduled to take place from October 21 to November 1.
