The Minister of Culture, Pedro Adão e Silva, presided over the inauguration of the António Mota Municipal Library, on January 14, at 12:00 pm, in a ceremony also marked by the recognition of the work of the writer, “one of the greatest in children’s literature that now gives its name to this space of knowledge”, as mentioned by the Mayor, Paulo Pereira, underlining the investment of around 1.2 million euros and the evolution of the municipality in terms of cultural facilities that “shape the vision we have in facing culture and cultural heritage as a development asset and as a symbol of the well-being of those who live here”.
“Baião has been a land of Culture in the most diverse aspects”, recalled the mayor, alluding to some of the “great figures in literature who chose the county as the setting for their works”. A particular reference to Eça de Queiroz, with emphasis on the book “A Cidade e as Serras”, a novel that drew inspiration from Baião. Paulo Pereira, “as a reminder” revealed that “the municipality has been trying to proceed with the adaptation of the book for cinema, an undertaking that has proved to be difficult, due to the logistical complexity and budgetary needs of the project”.
The Mayor also mentioned that the António Mota Municipal Library “will welcome avid and curious readers, will have a project that aims to train citizens and raise awareness of the noble and beautiful things in life, it will be a space where several generations can cross”.
“I sow words and I like to knit with words”
“I never, never imagined that the Municipal Library had my name. It is a great honor”, confessed António Mota with emotion. The writer underlined the importance of the family, present at the ceremony, in particular the 3 grandchildren, referring to it as “a way of passing on the testimony”.
He also spoke about his childhood, revealing how fascinated he was by his grandfather throwing the seed in the ground, or his mother knitting. “I sow words and I like to knit with words,” he explained.
With a standing ovation from a full room, he also spoke of those who do not read books, the “unlucky ones who never had the opportunity to taste the flavors of dreams, wisdom and life”. António Mota guaranteed that he will be available to participate in initiatives that come to be part of the program of “our library”.
“Baião invests in Culture”
The Minister of Culture said that he could not help but be moved in the presence of António Mota, of whom he became a reader and noted his satisfaction at seeing that “Baião invests in Culture”, underlining the “anchor for the communities that these facilities represent ” and the role of the book as a stimulus to creativity and as a gateway to knowledge about the world. “The book is the stone from which the building of Culture rises”, concluded Pedro Adão e Silva, to then proceed to unveil the commemorative plaque and visit the facilities, where there was still room for a literary moment with António Mota. After the end of the session, the minister traveled to Tormes for a visit to the Eça de Queiroz Foundation.
At the inauguration ceremony, which was also attended, in a personal capacity, by the Minister of Internal Affairs, José Luis Carneiro, the President of the Municipal Assembly, Armando Fonseca, the President of the Intermunicipal Council of Tâmega e Sousa, Pedro Machado (who is also mayor of Lousada), the deputy mayor, Filipe Fonseca, the councilor for Culture, Anabela Cardoso, among other councillors, mayors of neighboring municipalities, presidents of parish councils, former mayors of chamber and municipal assembly, members of the Municipal Assembly, association leaders, heads of local and regional institutions, among other personalities.
The António Mota Municipal Library is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm, with different opening hours depending on demand and specific initiatives.
The new equipment results from the complete rehabilitation of the old primary school building and the construction of a new space with three floors, comprising a total area of 1,065 square meters.
The main entrance, on Avenida 25 de Abril, maintains the layout of the old school building and gives access to a service counter, training room, cafeteria and sanitary facilities, on a floor complemented by a terrace and access to the lower and upper floors, either by stairs or by elevator, with a side ramp to allow access for people with reduced mobility.
On the lower floor there is a children’s section and entertainment area for various activities, as well as spaces for internal services (reception room, maintenance and document storage, work area, computer room, changing rooms and storage).
On the upper floor there is a section with books for adults and spaces for work, archives and storage.
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