Travelers through Afonso Pena International Airport in Curitiba are being invited to explore the story behind Pegaí Leitura Grátis, the grassroots initiative that has placed more than 341,000 titles into the hands of readers across Paraná. Open since March 10, the “Free Your Book” exhibition uses 20 richly illustrated panels to trace the project’s journey from a single bookshelf to a network spanning 15 cities and dozens of community volunteers.
Showcasing a Statewide Movement
Each panel at the exhibition chronicles a different chapter in Pegaí’s history:
- The humble beginnings in 2013, when founder Idomar Cerutti placed the first library box on a street corner.
- The rapid expansion into 67 public bookshelves, maintained by local residents and community centers.
- Key milestones such as partnerships with municipal libraries and cultural festivals.
- Innovative outreach projects, including mobile “pop-up libraries” at rural fairs and train stations.
- Impact metrics revealing how books donated in Curitiba have traveled hundreds of kilometers to new readers.
By following the panels, visitors witness how each volume’s “flight path”, from one booksleeve to the next, mirrors the constant comings and goings of airport terminals themselves.
Infraero & Community Partners
Since 2017, Infraero has championed Pegaí’s mission, integrating book-collection stations into strategic points throughout terminal halls. Their collaboration underscores a shared belief that airports can be more than transit hubs, they can foster culture and citizenship. Alongside Infraero, this exhibition honors more than 20 corporate sponsors and showcases the faces of over 80 volunteers whose dedication keeps shelves stocked and stories in circulation.
Volunteer-Fueled Creativity
Bringing “Free Your Book” to life required a fusion of talents:
- Curatorial Vision: Albino Szesz Junior marshaled project management, virtual-reality storytelling, and layout design, turning raw data into an immersive narrative.
- Editorial Voice: Claudia Gomes Fonseca crafted evocative captions that invite travelers to reflect on the transformative power of reading.
- Graphic Design: Luciano Barboza’s vibrant visuals and airport-friendly typography ensure the panels catch the eye amid bustling crowds.
Together, this team transformed a simple idea, “books need to fly”, into an exhibition that runs like clockwork, much like the flights arriving and departing just steps away.
Take a Part!
Infraero and Pegaí invite every traveler to become a “book liberator” by contributing to the cause as they move through the terminal. Simply drop off gently used books in the clearly marked collection bins positioned throughout the airport, then explore each exhibition panel’s QR code to unlock curated digital reading lists and learn the inspiring stories of those whose lives have been touched by Pegaí. Finally, share your experience on social media using the hashtag #LiberteSeuLivro to encourage friends and fellow passengers to join in.
With an extended partnership now in place, airport authorities are committed to keeping this celebration of free reading alive long after the exhibition closes. As you prepare for your next flight, remember that even the smallest donation can spark a world of discovery, one page at a time.