COMMUNITY LIBRARIES IN THE NATIONAL BOOK AND READING PLAN (PNLL)

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE 2014 AND 2026 PLANS

Abstract

Community libraries are institutions that emerge from civil society initiatives aimed at addressing gaps left by the State, contributing to the reduction of illiteracy through the promotion of reading, as well as fostering access to culture and citizenship. This research aimed to examine the inclusion of these spaces in national public policies through a comparative study between the National Book and Reading Plan (PNLL) of 2006, its revised and updated 2014 edition, and the PNLL 2026–2036. The methodology consisted of a bibliographic review on the theme of community libraries and a documentary analysis of the two plans to identify changes and continuities. The results indicate a growing academic interest in the subject, despite the scarcity of studies relating community libraries to governmental planning, particularly concerning the PNLL. The findings reveal that the first PNLL introduced the initial recognition of community libraries, representing a milestone in their process of institutional legitimization. However, the most recent document established significant advances, including specific goals aimed at vulnerable territories, highlighting the need for modernization, digital innovations, and cultural diversity. It is concluded that there has been a significant evolution in the institutional recognition of these libraries as essential instruments for the democratization of information. Therefore, the effective implementation of the guidelines proposed by the State is fundamental to ensuring their sustainability and structural development.