The Manifesto Library.

When you think of Dua Lipa you probably think of music. Fair enough. That is her calling card. But, how about books? She has a book club. She posts a "Monthly Read" of what she has been reading. That already puts her in an exclusive club. According to a YouGov survey, 80% of Americans read fewer than ten books a year, 40% none (yougov.com/en-us/articles/53804-most-americans-didnt-read-many-books-in-2025). Dua Lipa is not an American citizen so perhaps this explains the anomaly.

The other musical performer this brings to mind is Dolly Parton. She is noted for promoting reading by giving away millions of books. Perhaps they could form a duo, Dua and Dolly. They are from different generations and different musical styles, but what they share is more important - books.

The Monthly Read comes from Lipa's Service95 Book Club. While this is out there on the internet, Lipa has also put together a physical library. This is her "Manifesto Library," which features 100 banned and censored books. It is housed in the Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal. Livraria Lello confidently described itself as "the most beautiful Bookstore in the world." I can't vouch for this as I have not been to every bookstore in the world (Livraria Lello included), but how many bookstores can charge admission to enter? This is also a clever way to sell books as the price of admission can be redeemed for books.

Livraria Lello says, "The Manifesto Library stems from the belief that much more than a story is lost when a book is censored. This ban, which is often unspoken, restricts the right to question, imagine and understand the world. Created by Livraria Lello and the Service95 Book Club, the Manifesto Library brings together 100 contemporary books that have challenged authority and continue to provoke reflection on freedom, identity, memory and critical thinking." No wonder some people don't want you reading them.

Dua Lipa commented, "This library is a shrine to books that have disappeared, to authors whose courage unmasks structures of Power and Control, and to readers who refuse to be told what book they are allowed."

Some celebrities are noted for giving back to their communities. Others, some of whom are fabulously wealthy, give back little to others. Dua Lipa is giving back in a way that can help lift people through expanding their intellect and horizons. She's one of the good guys.