Guidelines for the implementation of a community library and its contribution to citizenship development

Abstract

This study analyzes the contribution of community libraries to the formation of citizenship by investigating their concept, social role, and impact on the community, using bibliographic and exploratory research methods. Academic productions on community libraries, civic education, and social inclusion were reviewed in the SciELO and Google Scholar academic databases, as well as in the institutional repository of the Federal University of Ceará (UFC). The results indicate that these libraries go beyond merely storing books; they become spaces for access to information, reading mediation, and cultural development. Additionally, they promote active community participation, strengthen social bonds, and stimulate critical thinking. It was observed that these institutions play an essential role in building citizenship by providing access to informational resources, fostering reading habits, and organizing cultural and educational activities. As a result of the research, guidelines were created for the implementation and management of community libraries, addressing aspects such as community engagement, collection development, mediator training, and project sustainability. These guidelines demonstrate that community libraries act as agents of social transformation, promoting inclusion and civic participation. It is concluded that strengthening these institutions should be encouraged through public policies and community actions to ensure their continuity and expand their impact on the construction of a more democratic and informed society.