Alberto Manguel's library project in Lisbon faces long delays

In September 2020, acclaimed writer Alberto Manguel gifted his personal library of 40,000 books to the city of Lisbon. The ceremony, held outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic, involved masks, social distancing, and hand sanitizer. Manguel, known for his distinctive hat and well-trimmed white beard, presented the then-Mayor Fernando Medina with two rare volumes from his collection: a medieval illuminated Bible and a Spanish treatise annotated by Jorge Luis Borges.

Two weeks later, the donation protocol was unanimously approved by the city council. The plan stipulated the creation of a "Center for Studies on the History of Reading" (CEHL) within the Palacete dos Marqueses de Pombal, a historic building on the chic Rua das Janelas Verdes. The agreement granted Manguel the privilege of accessing the center outside of public hours. Manguel initially suggested that the "small palace" would require minimal adaptation, such as a coat of paint and new shelving, to become a functional library.

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I have accepted the fact that this project is slow, and that I may not see its conclusion in my lifetime.

However, the project has encountered significant delays. Manguel has expressed a sense of resignation, stating, "I have accepted the fact that this project is slow, and that I may not see its conclusion in my lifetime." The article suggests that the initial enthusiasm and straightforward plan have given way to a prolonged and uncertain process, leaving the fate of Manguel's extensive collection and the envisioned reading center in limbo.

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It was like it was done.