Identity strengthening of Black people through mediating activities in Bahian public libraries

Abstract

Public libraries can be regarded as spaces geared toward social transformation when they promote services, actions, and dialogues in favor of the democratization of access to information. Therefore, the general objective of this research was to analyze the initiatives of the State System of Public Libraries of the State of Bahia (SEBP-BA), which works to promote the identity strengthening of the Black population, addressing ethnic-racial issues through mediating activities that integrate literature, art, culture, and education. Regarding the methodology, the research is characterized as qualitative and descriptive, developed through the multiple case study method, grounded in the construction and experiences of SEBP-BA. Among the identified results, it was observed that public libraries can contribute to the critical development of individuals through projects focused on ethnic-racial information, enabling them to gain an awareness that will influence both their own lives and the lives of others through initiatives and actions such as the projects presented.