“We want high school students to feel free to come to the National Library and understand how important it is to foster a love for books and reading,” stated Diogo Ramada Curto, the General Director of the Library, in an interview.
The expansion to include younger age groups is underway, alongside the development of spaces to accommodate these students, as well as the academic and scientific community, which finds a daily resource haven in the library, amongst many other readers.
Last year, the library recorded 22,000 visitor sessions. This is how attendance is measured, with one reader potentially returning every day.
In September, a new general reading room with 120 seats will be inaugurated, following the refurbishment of an area that had been closed for 15 years.
“There are many students in the Campo Grande area who need reading, working, and studying spaces, and we believe it is an obligation,” remarked Diogo Ramada Curto, noting the many Lisbon university students living in rooms unsuitable for studying.
“It concerns me greatly. I know other spaces in Campo Grande are overcrowded, precisely because of this demand, and I am eager to welcome these students and encourage them to frequenct the National Library,” he added.
The new space, filled with natural light and overlooking a pond in the garden, required investment in blinds to filter the light from the large glass windows. The furniture results from a dedicated partnership and pieces that were in storage.
The aim is for everyone to feel “free and enthusiastic” to study in a space with books that support studies and training, emphasized the BNP official.
“We understand the needs of students, the needs of many teachers and researchers, and that is why we are here, to welcome them and to promote a love for books within this broad community,” highlighted Diogo Ramada Curto, a university professor and researcher, a former frequent visitor of the library he has directed since April of last year.
