# Public library initiatives and access

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/public-library-initiatives-and-access
> Updated: 2026-10-27T09:42:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Recent developments highlight various approaches to public book access and community library services.

In Curitiba, Brazil, a new sustainable, self-service library has opened at the Rua da Cidadania do Cajuru. Developed by students from the Universidade Aberta à Pessoa Idosa (Unapi), the project utilizes a self-service system where users record loans on a spreadsheet without a professional librarian. The collection of approximately 250 donated books is housed on shelves made from recycled materials, such as painted pallets and fruit crates.

In Portugal, 303 municipal libraries provide free access to books to serve citizens. The role of these spaces is explored in the book ‘Biblioteca, uma segunda casa’ by Manuel Carvalho Coutinho, which describes 21 libraries across the mainland and islands. The work suggests these locations function as a ‘second home’ for many users based on observations and testimonies from staff and readers.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Portugal municipal libraries provide free book access

Manuel Carvalho Coutinho’s book, ‘Biblioteca, uma segunda casa’, explores how 303 Portuguese municipal libraries serve as essential community spaces and free book resources.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-municipal-libraries-provide-free-book-access

### 2026-10-08: Curitiba opens sustainable, self-service library

Students from the Universidade Aberta à Pessoa Idosa have launched a sustainable, self-service library in Curitiba using recycled materials and donated books.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/curitiba-opens-sustainable-self-service-library

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Cite as: Public library initiatives and access. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/public-library-initiatives-and-access