The Professor Arlindo Corrêa da Silva Library at the Ramacrisna Institute is celebrating. A leading institution in promoting reading and cultural enrichment among children and young people in socially vulnerable situations, the library is marking its 52nd anniversary this April with a special program that brings together literature, music, creativity, and plenty of interaction.
The celebrations began on the 1st with recreational and cultural activities, including an origami workshop and guided readings. On the 6th, students from CAER (Ramacrisna Educational Support Center) participated in a literary gathering and a discussion with authors from the Betinense Academy of Letters, strengthening ties with local literary production. On the 8th, an outdoor storytelling session brought enchantment and imagination to the children.
The program continues throughout the month, with a highlight being the special performance by the Ramacrisna Philharmonic Orchestra, scheduled for the 14th. Inspired by works from the library’s collection, the repertoire features children’s classics such as “O Sapo Não Lava o Pé,” “Ciranda, Cirandinha,” and “Aquarela.” On the 17th, CAER students take center stage in the activity “Little Characters, Big Stories,” in which they bring to life iconic figures from literature in a playful and interactive experience.
In addition, film screenings, new outdoor storytelling sessions, and musical performances are planned, including an event on the 29th open to the public, featuring the group Choro Pro Nobis and guest musicians.
For librarian Diná Alcântara, the program was designed to highlight both the collection and the students’ experiences. “We thought of activities that would spark an interest in reading in a lighthearted and engaging way, but also allow students to take the lead. It’s wonderful to see how they make the library their own, interact with the stories, and express themselves through culture,” she notes.
According to her, the active participation of children and young people has been one of the highlights of the celebrations. “With each activity, we realize how much they feel part of this space. The library ceases to be just a place for books and becomes a living environment of exchange, creation, and belonging,” adds Diná.
The Institute’s vice president, Solange Bottaro, highlights the historical importance of the library, which bears the name of the institution’s founder. “Celebrating the 52nd anniversary of the Professor Arlindo Corrêa da Silva Library is also a tribute to the legacy of someone who believed in education as a tool for social transformation. This space represents opportunities, dreams, and new paths for thousands of children and young people over the decades,” she states.
