BETWEEN BOOKS AND COMMUNITIES: A LOOK AT READING PROJECTS AT PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN THE STATE OF BAHIA

Abstract

Reading is an essential process that promotes learning, transformation and individual mental health, but many vulnerable communities face barriers to accessing books and reading activities. Therefore, public universities have a crucial role in mediating extension projects that aim to overcome these limitations and promote reading and community development. This article aims to analyze the impact of extension projects on promoting reading and the development of local communities. This is descriptive research, qualitative in nature, whose purpose is at an exploratory level. Regarding the collection of sources, it is characterized as bibliographic. 21 projects were identified in six of the eight universities considered, but only four projects returned to the questionnaire, and these were evaluated. The research concludes that, to effectively mediate access to reading and enhance the effects of extension projects, it is essential to establish effective partnerships and strategies that meet the specific needs of communities.