The University Extension Secretariat and UNR Editora are promoting this project to guarantee access to reading for people experiencing homelessness.
La Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), through the University Extension Secretariat and UNR Editora, presented together with the Municipality of Rosario and the Association of the Latin American Educational Center (ACEL) a project that will bring libraries to municipal shelters, with the aim of guaranteeing access to reading and strengthening cultural proposals aimed at people in a homeless situation.
The initiative was presented at the Southwest Shelter, where a cooperation agreement was also signed between the institutions involved and the closing of the third cycle of reading and writing workshops developed in the Southwest and Felipe Moré shelters took place.
During the event, Nicolás Manzi, director of UNR Editora, emphasized the importance of the university's participation in this project: “Outreach is the part of the university that engages with the community. Because the university isn't just a place where professionals are trained; it's something alive that belongs to all of us. There's a commitment to the community, which is why we try to take the university out into the heart of society,” he noted. He also highlighted the value of bringing local publishing to those who live in these areas: “These are books from many publishers in Rosario with whom we work and collaborate. There are many texts that others have taken the time to write, and we can give back to them through reading.”
The libraries will be stocked with books donated by UNR Editora, the Rosario Municipal Publishing House, and various independent publishers in the city, including Casagrande, Último Recurso, Miércoles 14, Listocalisto, and Serapis. The project aims to make reading a tool for accessing new knowledge, building relationships, and exercising the right to culture.
The proposal originated from an idea promoted by the UNR's Extension programs and was developed in collaboration with the Latin American Educational Center (CEL) and the municipality. In this regard, Martín Trainer, representing CEL, recalled that the joint effort allowed them to transform that initiative into a concrete policy for municipal shelters.
In addition to the installation of libraries, the project includes a permanent program of reading, literacy and writing workshops, developed together with the Municipality's Secretariat of Culture and Education.
A university committed to the community
The creation of these libraries is part of the outreach mission of the Universidad Nacional de Rosario, which promotes access to knowledge and culture as a right for the entire community, especially in contexts of greater vulnerability.
The initiative also continues the joint work carried out during the last year by the UNR, the municipality and the Latin American Educational Center, among other actions, with the publication of the Spanish edition of Rosario, by Eliza J. McCartney Clemens, carried out within the framework of the Tricentennial of the city.
On the same day, the third cycle of reading and writing workshops of the "Rosario Reads" Citizen Reading Plan also concluded. This edition involved twenty people who attend the Southwest and Felipe Moré shelters. Coordinated by writer Damián Andreoli, the workshops focused on football literature and offered a space for reading, conversation, and writing.
With this project, the UNR reaffirms the role of university extension as a tool to build community, expand rights and bring books closer to where they can also become a refuge.